BOSTON, (Reuters) – Four-times NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal has signed with the Boston Celtics, the team said yesterday as they look to add experience to their lineup.

O’Neal was a free agent after one season with the Cleveland Cavaliers and while he is reaching the end of his career, the 38-year-old center will give the Celtics valuable experience.

“It is not every day that you can add a player of Shaquille’s caliber to your team,” Danny Ainge, Boston’s president of basketball operations, said in a statement.

“His past experience speaks for itself and we believe that he is a great fit for our roster.”

O’Neal averaged 12 points and 6.7 rebounds last season for the Cavaliers.

The first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Orlando  Magic, O’Neal remains one of the league’s most popular figures  and has won three titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and one  with the Miami Heat.
The Celtics open their regular season on Oct. 26 against a  new-look Heat team that features All Stars LeBron James, Dwyane  Wade and Chris Bosh.

“I have played against Paul (Pierce) Ray (Allen), Kevin  (Garnett), Rajon (Rondo), and Jermaine (O’Neal) for many years  and it will be great to be able to call them my teammates,” said O’Neal.

“I cannot wait to get to Boston to get started in pursuit of another championship,” he said.

The Celtics, who won a record 17th NBA championship in 2008, lost to the Lakers in the seventh and decisive game of this year’s final.