"The Celtics are not surprised in the least that Shaquille O'Neal is departing after 19 NBA seasons, the last of which was an ultimately unrewarding campaign with their club.

But that doesn't mean the local franchise won't be leaving the porch light on for The Big Retiree.

General manager Danny Ainge has long figured Shaq would be calling it a career after this season, but he doesn't intend to let O'Neal go peacefully into the great NBA beyond.

Ainge was asked flatly if he is convinced Shaq won't again play in the league.

"Oh, I don't know," he said. "I don't know. I would not say that.

"I mean, hopefully Shaq can get his body healthy and then reconsider."

Ainge then paused and added, "I can tell you that even if he's still out when we start next year, he's a guy I'll be making a phone call to at some time during the season.

"But I believe what he's saying now is real.""