From tearing down backboards and opponents centers alike to his numerous off-court endeavors, larger than life is the only way to describe Shaquille O’Neal during his playing days. Blessed with a joyous personality that outsizes his 7’1” frame, Shaq has not just been the most dominant but also the most quotatious basketball player of all time.
And once he had hung up his size 23 sneakers for good, his various charitable efforts – whether the spotlight is on him or not – and his exploits on national television for TNT’s award-winning NBA coverage are making sure that the Diesel is continuing to pump out moments of Shaqness on a daily basis.
For the re-release of one of Shaq’s very first signature shoes – the Reebok Shaq Attaq – we’re looking back at five outstanding moments of Shaqness:
Is that all you got!?
Playing a game of one-on-one against a young Shaq, iconic TV host Ahmad Rashad challenged the big man to give him his best shot. The result shattered the backboard while also foreshadowing the impact of the Orlando Magic rookie on the NBA.
Clearing the bench
Usually, clearing the bench is a finable offense in the NBA that is connected to brawls or on-court skirmishes. When The Big Shaqtus is heading for the first row, it’s simply a matter of self-preservation.
The time Shaq almost broke Kevin Garnett
After years of battling each other in the Western Conference, O’Neal and Kevin Garnett became teammates on the Boston Celtics. But once Shaq found out that he had been fined 35k, he almost ended the Big Ticket’s career prematurely.
All Star Kicks
During the 2000s, the NBA All Star Game was known for two things: The NBA’s biggest and brightest stars … and Shaq coming up with a new gimmick to promote his sneaker line. The yearly tradition included cell phones and video cameras integrated in his size 23 kicks and even a remote-controlled sneaker. Just check out the look on Allen Iverson’s face when he realizes that the shoe phone actually works.
Got’em!
While Shaq was one of the funniest players and most notorious tricksters the NBA has ever seen, he was never above laughing about himself. Case in point: Legendary coach Gregg Popovich playing a trick on O’Neal with a fake Hack-a-Shaq call to open up the game. Real recognize real.
After years of absence form the market – and Shaquille O’Neal re-joining Reebok as an investor of ABG – the Reebok Shaq Attaq returns in its original color scheme that matches the iconic Orlando Magic jerseys of the Shaq & Penny era. Pick up your pair via the button below!
