Shaquille O?Neal played in the NBA for 20 years. In his career, he played with a lot of people. He did play with some great players in Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Penny Hardaway, and others. But he has called an NBA legend the worst teammate he has ever played with. And that’s none other than 5 time NBA champion Dennis Rodman.
Rodman and Shaq were teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers for one year. This was before the title-winning years and Shaq and Kobe were still yet to reach their prime. Rodman was bought on a salary-friendly contract and he played only 23 games for the Lakers. He was released by the Bulls in the lockout-shortened season and he joined the Lakers. Rodman did not have a great reputation according to Shaq.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Shaquille O?Neal reveals some dark secrets about Dennis Rodman
Shaq was on his podcast and he was asked who was the worst teammate he has ever had. And The Big Diesel said it was Dennis Rodman. When asked why, O’Neal said, ” He was a great player, but he made it hard. Like when trying to corral the guys together and the people above you letting this guy do whatever he wants”
“So we had to be there an hour before the game, he come 15 mins before the game, eating chicken and rice… While the coaches talking, he would jump in the shower… come give you 15-20 rebounds… After the game, he don?t take a shower and be in a club with girls that look like you?
WATCH THIS STORY: Vanessa Bryant’s most valuable investments?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Shaq said he thought he was the king of the club until he went to one of Rodman’s parties. He said he was the king of throwing parties, but when he saw the people coming to Rodman’s parties, he was jealous. Shaq said he respected Rodman who was extremely talented, but his off-court antics and his behavior made him crazy.
Shaq has always shown love to his teammates. Even during his feud with Kobe, they won 3 titles together. Once one of Shaq’s teammates drove up in a less fancy car and Shaq went and bought him a luxury car. He knew how to take care of his teammates as long as they did their job. But it’s safe to say, one of those wasn’t Dennis Rodman who O’Neal called the worst teammate he has played in his career.