ESPN NBA

Big Men Winding Down

Shaquille O'Neal, 36, said Thursday he'll play out the rest of his contract and retire in two years. If he plays in 2009-10, he'd be 37 years old for most of that season. Only five centers have averaged double-digit points as a 37-year old ... here's a look:

Highest PPG
By 37-Year-Old Centers

Player	Year	PPG
K. Abdul-Jabbar	1984-85	22.0
P. Ewing	1999-2000	15.0
R. Parish	1990-91	14.9
A. Gilmore	1986-87	11.4
H. Olajuwon	1999-2000	10.3

No, Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal knows his life will change in exactly 735 days.

"My basketball career will be over in 735 days," O'Neal told News 13 television in Orlando, Fla. "And being an educated man, I've always had things to fall back on. So one of my options is law enforcement."

O'Neal, who was drafted by the Orlando Magic but has since played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns, still has a house in Central Florida. He spoke of his possible future plans Wednesday with the kids at the Pine Hills Boys and Girls Club.

O'Neal has long had an interest in law enforcement and went through the training with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Reserve Academy before becoming a reserve officer with the L.A. Port Police.

A 7-foot future Hall of Famer, O'Neal said he intends to play out the remainder of his contract and retire. He has won four titles in his career -- three with the Lakers and one with the Heat.