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Cleveland Cavaliers: 15 NBA stars you forgot played for the Cavs

By Tony Pesta

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 4: Ben Wallace #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on February 4, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 4: Ben Wallace #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on February 4, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

1. Shaquille O’Neal (2009-10)

A one-two punch of LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal sounds terrifying. Two of the league’s greatest athletes, this duo would be absolutely unstoppable on paper.

In the 2009-10 season, we had a rare opportunity to watch these legends play together. Unfortunately, this crossover came about five years too late as O’Neal was far from the dominant beast he once was.

The NBA has never seen a player with Shaq’s size and mobility. He was an absolute force of nature for an entire decade, averaging 27.1 points, 12.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks on 57.7 percent shooting across 11 seasons in his prime.

Shaq bullied his way to four NBA championships, three Finals MVPs, 15 All-Star Games, 14 All-NBA selections and one MVP trophy. All of these accolades came before his time in Cleveland.

Alongside James, O’Neal averaged only 12.0 points and 6.7 rebounds. His age had caught up with him, barley allowing him to play over 20 minutes a game. He had lost his speed and was a detriment in fast-paced games.

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He saved his best for the playoffs, looking surprisingly effective against the Boston Celtics. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers were defeated in six games. When James made his departure in the summer, so did O’Neal, heading to Boston for what would be the final season of his career.

There is no question that a prime James and O’Neal would have taken the league by storm. Sadly, all Cleveland ever got to see was a shell of O’Neal’s former self.

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