Shaquille O'Neal Will Not Present Dwight Howard At 2025 Hall Of Fame Induction

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4 days ago

Shaquille O'Neal Will Not Present Dwight Howard At 2025 Hall Of Fame Induction originally appeared on Fadeaway World.
What was shaping up to be a poetic full-circle moment in NBA history has taken an unexpected turn. Shaquille O'Neal, who had reportedly agreed to present Dwight Howard at the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame induction, will no longer be doing so. Instead, Howard will be honored by a legendary cast that includes Dominique Wilkins, Robert Parish, Dennis Rodman, and Patrick Ewing.
The change, which was first reported just days ahead of the ceremony, has sent ripples through the basketball world, not just because of the names involved, but because of what it symbolizes.
Howard and Shaq had one of the most public and bitter beefs in modern NBA history. For over a decade, O'Neal criticized Howard's game, personality, and even his right to use the 'Superman' nickname, which both big men made iconic in their own eras.
But in recent months, things seemed to have turned around. Back in April, Howard had posted that he wanted Shaq, Kevin Garnett, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to 'walk him out' at the Hall of Fame.
He even gave interviews stating how excited he was that Shaq would be presenting him, going so far as to call it a dream come true.
'Whatever he says will be amazing. I'm looking forward to that day.'
The two had reportedly squashed their beef, where they spoke face-to-face and buried their long-standing differences. That reconciliation led to speculation and confirmation that Shaq would be among Howard's presenters.
Now, that appears to have fallen through. Whether due to a scheduling issue, a last-minute change of heart, or something behind the scenes, Shaq is officially off the list.
Neither O'Neal nor Howard has publicly addressed the change, but it's certainly raised eyebrows among fans who were eager to witness the symbolic passing of the torch from one dominant center to the next.
Despite the absence of Shaq, Howard won't be lacking in support. His list of presenters features some of the greatest big men to ever play the game, Ewing, Wilkins, Rodman, and Parish, each of whom reflects different aspects of Howard's legacy: defense, rebounding, athleticism, and tenacity. Their presence ensures that his enshrinement will still carry the reverence and recognition he deserves.
Howard's Hall of Fame induction comes after a remarkable 18-year NBA career where he averaged 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, while shooting nearly 59% from the field. He made eight All-Star appearances, was named Defensive Player of the Year three times, and led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009. For all the criticism he received, Howard's resume is undeniable.
In the end, even without Shaq beside him, Dwight Howard enters the Hall with the full weight of his accomplishments and with a supporting cast of legends who know exactly what it means to dominate the paint.This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.