7 Years After A Hilarious Trick Portrayed Shaquille O’Neal’s Ignorance, 7ft Giant’s Heart Softens With Reunion in China

Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal is known for his big stature. With a height that extended to over 7ft, Shaq was the envy of other players during his NBA days, as he easily used to intimidate his opponents into submission. There was one player, however, with whom the Big Aristotle couldn’t play the ‘big’ card. While the two started off as rivals, they eventually formed a deep friendship that continues even after their NBA days. Fans were recently reminded of the bond between the two players as they reunited during a basketball game in China.

A few hours ago, Shaquille O’Neal took to his official Instagram account to share a post with his 32.5 Million followers. It highlighted the 51-year-old walking up to former Houston Rockets star Yao Ming. The duo shared a handshake and a side hug.

Shaquille O’Neal reunites with Yao Ming

Shaq and Yao reunited after both the former players were in attendance during the recent women’s basketball preliminary round game that was held as part of the 19 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. While the conversation between them couldn’t be heard over the noise of the event, it was apparent that Shaq and Yao were exchanging pleasantries and catching up on recent events.

The duo later proceeded to sit down and enjoy the game from the event lounge. Shaq highlighted his happiness at the reunion by taking to the caption of the post and writing, “Always good seeing my brother @yao”.

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While fans of the Big Aristotle appreciated this fine moment, they also couldn’t help but marvel at this rare moment when someone else was looking bigger than Shaq. Yao Ming, who himself is an astonishing 7ft 6, towered over his former rival.

This high build was one of the primary reasons why Ming was among the few players who could allegedly intimidate Shaq on the court during their NBA Days. The reunion marked the first time in quite a few years when a wholesome moment between the duo caught the attention of fans.

The Big Aristotle did not know that his rival spoke English

Back in 2016, Shaquille O’Neal received one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a basketball player. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Many people were in attendance, including Yao Ming. In order to give the audience a laugh and honor his friend in the process, Shaq highlighted a story during his speech.

The former Lakers star recalled how he was unknowingly “tricked” for over three years by his 7ft counterpart. Given the fact that Ming was born in Shanghai, Shaq was of the opinion that the Rockets player didn’t speak any English. This all changed when Shaq faced off against Ming during a game.

“He hit me with a ‘Hakeem Olajuwon’ and then bing-bing fade away,” Shaq recalled during the speech. “I said ‘Hey y’all, nice move’ and he said ‘Thanks my brother.'” Shaq exclaimed his surprise at finding out that his opponent could speak English. To this, Ming just said one thing to clarify the misunderstanding. “Shaq, you never talk to me. Of course I speak English.”

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What are your thoughts on the friendship shared between Shaquille O’Neal and Yao Ming? Let us know in the comments below.