NBA great Shaquille O’Neal has spoken about the worst teammate he has ever had.
During what was an illustrious career, O’Neal played for the likes of Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
The 52-year-old is a four-time NBA champion and since retiring from the sport in 2011, continues to be one of the biggest names in basketball.
Back in 2022, O’Neal named his worst ever teammate during an appearance on The Big Podcast with Shaq.
He said: “Worst teammate? Dennis Rodman. He was a great player, but he made it hard.
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“Like when you try to corral the guys together and the people above you [are] letting this one guy do whatever he wants. So, we had to be there an hour before the game.”
O’Neal added: “He’d come in fifteen minutes before the game eating chicken and rice. While the coaches are talking, he would jump in the shower. Cold shower. Come and give you 15-20 rebounds.”
In 2021, O’Neal told the New York Post that he no longer wanted to be a celebrity.
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He said: “These celebrities are going freaking crazy and I don't want to be one. I denounce my celebrity-ness today. I'm done with it.
“I don't want to be in that category. Celebrities are crazy, they really are. Don't call me that anymore. These people are out of their freaking mind with how they treat people, what they do, what they say. That's never been me. I never want to be looked at like that.”
He added: “All my life, everyone probably gets stereotyped, but us celebrities, we get stereotyped because most of these celebrities are out of their mind. I don't do that. I'm a regular person that listened, followed his dreams and made it.
“I came from nothing. But, just because I made it doesn't mean I'm bigger than you, smarter than you - just because I have more money doesn't mean I'm better than you. I've never been that way and I never will be that way. So I don't want to be in that category of people.”
Topics: Basketball, NBA, Shaquille ONeal
Marcus Chan