Latest news with #O'Neal's
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Facing Accusation After Shaquille O'Neal's Unexpected Comments
Shaquille O'Neal, a four-time NBA champion and one of the league's most dominant players, has long been celebrated for his on-court achievements. A 15-time All-Star and three-time Finals MVP, O'Neal's illustrious career includes stints with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat, among others. O'Neal's journey to NBA stardom began at Louisiana State University, where his exceptional play made him a top prospect. In the 1992 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic selected him as the first overall pick, setting the stage for a transformative era for the franchise. Advertisement Recently, O'Neal appeared on Ashley Nevel's podcast and recounted a conversation with then-NBA Commissioner David Stern prior to the 1992 Draft. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal.© David Butler II-Imagn Images According to O'Neal, Stern asked him, 'You want to play where it's cold or where it's hot?' When O'Neal responded, 'Hot,' Stern smiled. Shortly thereafter, the Orlando Magic secured the number one pick. The timing of O'Neal's revelation coincides with renewed scrutiny of the NBA Draft Lottery's integrity. The Dallas Mavericks recently won the 2025 Draft Lottery despite having only a 1.8% chance, leading to widespread speculation. Critics suggest the league may have influenced the outcome to position the Mavericks to select top prospect Cooper Flagg, especially following the team's trade of Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Advertisement Fans reacted strongly to O'Neal's comments, expressing skepticism about the draft process: "So the draft is rigged," a fan wrote. "And they say NBA draft ain't rigged? Lol," another fan mentioned. "He's basically confirming what we all know," another fan added. "If it was rigged in 1992 it is definitely rigged now! #NBA just sending players to wherever the NBA can make the most money," a fourth fan posted. "Did Shaq just expose the NBA?" one asked. "We been knew this. The NBA is just an entertainment league," another fan remarked. While the league has consistently denied allegations of manipulation, Shaq's comments coupled with recent events continues to fuel debate among fans and analysts. Advertisement Related: NBA Legend Magic Johnson Reacts to Aaron Gordon News Amid Nuggets' Game 7 Related: Lakers Facing Backlash for Alex Caruso Decision Amid Historic Game 7
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Power Moves with Shaquille O'Neal OTT Release Date: When and where to watch docuseries on Reebok's comeback
Power Moves with Shaquille O'Neal OTT Release Date: A new sports-business docuseries is set to premiere on Netflix globally on June 4. This six-episode series focuses on NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal's recent appointment as President of Reebok Basketball, and his efforts to lead the brand's revival alongside Vice President Allen Iverson. Inside Reebok's strategic comeback Produced by O'Neal's company, Jersey Legends (a division of Authentic Studios), in partnership with The Intellectual Property Corporation (Sony Pictures Television), Power Moves documents the leadership, challenges, and decisions shaping Reebok's new direction under O'Neal and Iverson. The series is filmed at Reebok's Boston headquarters and various U.S. locations, offering an inside look at the brand's strategy to reconnect with sports culture and younger consumers. Viewers will see how the team navigated new signings like WNBA star Angel Reese, Reebok's first NIL deal after O'Neal's appointment. Shaquille O'Neal's longstanding ties with Reebok O'Neal's association with Reebok began in 1992, when he signed with the brand at the start of his NBA career. After decades of decline and a failed partnership with Adidas (2005–2021), Reebok was acquired by Authentic Brands Group in 2021. O'Neal, a shareholder in the company, played a key role in the transition and was officially named President of Reebok Basketball in September 2023. Iverson, who joined Reebok in 1996 and helped build the brand's iconic sneaker lines like the Question and Answer, was appointed Vice President during the same period. Power Moves with Shaquille O'Neal is executive produced by Shaquille himself alongside Colin Smeeton, Mike Parris, Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, and Jamie Renberg, with Ian Gelfand serving as showrunner. Excited to watch Power Moves with Shaquille O'Neal? Drop your thoughts @indiatimes.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"There's only 20 people I cared about in the NBA" - Shaquille O'Neal on why he barely made friendships in his 19-year NBA career
Shaquille O'Neal walked into the NBA with a scowl and a mission. No smiles. No handshakes, just for show. The league was a battleground, and his imposing presence was all he needed. He didn't want to keep so many friends. It wasn't personal; it was about business — about establishing a legacy too colossal for compromise. O'Neal's approach stood in sharp contrast to the modern NBA, where players vacation together, launch brands together, and sometimes plot trades behind closed doors. O'Neal's circle In his prime through the 1990s and 2000s, the competition was fierce, almost territorial. Respect was earned through bruises, not brunches. For O'Neal, there was a small circle — and only a small circle of those who managed to pierce the armor. Advertisement "It's only 20 people that I cared about in the NBA," O'Neal said. "A lot of youngsters." The four-time champion mentioned Jason Williams, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Quentin Richardson, Darius Miles, Gary Payton, and Grant Hill among his small circle. Each name tells a story. Payton, famously gritty and famously vocal, was O'Neal's teammate on the 2006 Miami Heat squad that captured an NBA title. That bond, created in battle and crowned with a championship, reflected the kind of relationship the center valued. Hill represented another thread; a man who carried himself with grace, battled injuries with stoic dignity, and whose game O'Neal respected enough to break through the professional detachment. Advertisement Youngsters like Darius Miles and Quentin Richardson embodied a new energy O'Neal admired. They were players who carried themselves with the brashness of the streets but the polish of the hardwood. They didn't just play the game but lived it fearlessly and authentically. Even Carter and McGrady, with their showy artistry, had a way of gaining O'Neal's rare personal approval. It wasn't about flash; it was about heart. But beyond those few, the league remained just a vast sea of competitors. Related: Tim Duncan said Robert Horry didn't care until everything was at stake: "He doesn't show up, doesn't feel like playing until it's a big game" Legacy before bonds The approach worked. 28,596 career points, 13,099 rebounds, 2,732 blocks. An MVP award in 2000. 15 NBA All-Star selections. No asterisks, no regrets. Advertisement From the day he was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992, O'Neal moved like a man who understood that real friendship often came after the wars were over, not during. That mentality carried him through his historic stints with the Magic and Lakers — where he built one of the most famous dynasties alongside Kobe Bryant — and later with the Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. The friction that occasionally defined his professional relationships, notably with Bryant during their Lakers tenure, wasn't a bug. It was the system working as designed. O'Neal was looking for a brotherhood and built an empire of accomplishments. In an NBA that increasingly leaned into camaraderie, the four-time champion remained a throwback to an older breed — men like Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas, who demanded respect before friendship. This style brought both glory and isolation. Related: "If I get a day off and come get 40 like I used to, they don't have a problem with it" - Shaq on why he has issues when people say he didn't work hard
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal makes surprising statement after purchasing 3 Cybertrucks: 'Struggling'
Not too long ago, NBA great Shaquille O'Neal was a vocal fan of Tesla's Cybertruck — which is why the basketball legend's recent admission that he sold two of the three electric vehicle models he owned came as a surprise to fans. Celebrities like O'Neal wield a significant level of influence over consumer trends like EV adoption, and his recent remarks about why he soured on the embattled Cybertruck might — but shouldn't — discourage drivers who are considering the switch to eco-friendlier vehicles. Back in August, O'Neal frantically contacted Tesla dealerships in Atlanta to locate an available backup model to purchase, as his beloved Cybertruck was being stored in Las Vegas. His decision to subsequently offload two of his three Tesla Cybertrucks was one topic du jour on the April 18 episode of his show, The Big Podcast with Shaq. The discussion turned to cars, and O'Neal explained why his initial enthusiasm for the EV model had waned. Actor and comedian Karlous Miller was a guest on O'Neal's podcast when the basketball icon said that he "used to be into" the Cybertruck — and he cited range anxiety as the main reason his love for the model was expressed in the past tense. "They don't get enough … charging mileage," O'Neal said. Automotive magazine Car and Driver echoed O'Neal's disappointment with the Cybertruck's range in its tests of the model. Although Tesla estimated the Cybertruck's range at between 320 and 350 miles per charge, Car and Driver found it "fell 70 miles short" of that figure in the magazine's fuel economy testing. Particularly when taken out of context, O'Neal's comments had the potential to exacerbate consumer range anxiety — one of the most common worries among those in the market for their first EV. It's true O'Neal found the Cybertruck's range insufficient for his needs compared to another EV he drives, lamenting that he'd be "struggling to get back [home]" from work due to what he considered insufficient range on a full charge. Coupled with Tesla's broader sales woes, a prominent celebrity's mixed experience with a popular model's range could turn away buyers who are on the fence, slowing consumer adoption of EVs despite a slew of new sales incentives offered to potential Cybertruck buyers. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. It's worth noting that O'Neal contrasted his experience with the Cybertruck with that of another EV model — and he was absolutely thrilled with its range. In fact, his frustrations with the Cybertruck's range appeared to stem from his acquisition of another luxury EV Cadillac makes. In the same breath as his range complaint, O'Neal continued, explaining he'd just acquired a Cadillac Escalade EQ with an unbelievable range. According to Cadillac, the model can go 460 miles on a full charge. O'Neal didn't mention mileage, but he said his Cadillac could go "for four days" without a charge. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shaquille O'Neal Facing Backlash for Comments Before Warriors-Rockets
The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets are matching up in one of the most intriguing series of the NBA playoffs. Houston heads into the series as the higher seed, having earned home-court advantage as the No. 2 team in the Western Conference standings. Advertisement The Rockets capped off the regular season with a 52-30 record. Golden State, on the other hand, produced a 48-34 record as the No. 7 seed in the West. Before the series commenced, the "NBA on TNT" crew, featuring NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, gave their thoughts on the matchup. When discussing a potential winner, O'Neal mentioned that he believes no one is expecting the Warriors to win the series and advance to the second round. After sharing his thoughts, some fans took to social media, clearly disagreeing with O'Neal's comments. 'Nobody expects the warriors to win' Shaq saying straight [expletive] already," said another fan. Advertisement "Nobody expects the warriors to win" shaq is dumber than a sack of [expletive] I swear," mentioned one fan. "Shaq: 'no one is expecting the Warriors to win this series,'" said one fan. "'Nobody expects the Warriors to win' - Shaq okay bud," commented one fan. "Did shaq just say no one's expecting the warriors to win. is he stupid??" commented one fan. "His level of disinterest in his job is both impressive and embarrassing," said one fan. O'Neal's comments defied the betting odds. The Warriors entered the first-round series as the favorite at -175, per ESPN BET. While Houston was the higher-seeded team entering the first round, Golden State was viewed as the betting favorite to advance to the second round. Advertisement The Warriors also have 15-1 odds to win the championship while the Rockets have an 80-1 chance to hoist the NBA title trophy. NBA icon Shaquille O'NealSam Navarro-Imagn Images The Warriors enter the playoffs with incredible experience. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have already led the franchise to four NBA titles. With Curry and Green's playoff exposure and the addition of Jimmy Butler, Golden State is widely viewed as the stronger team. The Houston Rockets are led by inexperienced stars such as Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun Related: JJ Redick Makes Clear Admission About LeBron James After Blowout Loss
