A Phone Call Gave Shaquille O?Neal the Memory for a Lifetime With Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain and Other NBA Legends

The NBA 75 reunion saw legends like Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Michael Jordan come together under one roof. Shaquille O’Neal got an opportunity to interact with his idols and icons. According to Shaq, late legend Bill Russell was the first to take him under his wing. Shaq had a great relationship with NBA icon Bill Russell, who he names in his top two. Shaq once called his agent to do a commercial with the greatest big men in the NBA, and Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Wilt were a part of it.

Shaquille O’Neal tells Rich Eisen on his talk show that the greatest moment of his life was seeing his idols together for the commercial, much like the NBA 75 reunion. Often Shaq would worry if he could compete with the likes of Russell and Chamberlain. Shaquille O’Neal went on to become one of the most dominant and winningest centers in the NBA.

O’Neal won three Bill Russell finals MVP trophies with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is a four-time NBA champion and has won three All-Star MVPs as well. It is safe to say that Shaq has proved that he deserves to be in the likes of all-time greats. Shaq once called his manager to get all the greats in his commercial to announce his arrival. The phone call with his manager changed the course of Shaq’s career.?

The Commercial was titled ‘Don’t fake the funk on a nasty dunk.’ The idea behind it was to announce that Shaquille O’Neal is coming for the best’ Big Man’ spot and in his own way.

Shaquille O’Neal and his greatest moment ever

John Wooden, Bill Walton, Bill Russell, Lakers Legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Wilt Chamberlain were all featured in Shaq’s Reebok commercial. The commercial saw Shaq Knocking on the door of a ‘plasmic portal’Mount Rushmore club of NBA 75 legends. Late Celtics legend Bill Russell greets Shaq and asks him for his ID and password.

Bill Russell told Shaq, “You’re?early, “to which Shaq confidently replied, “I’m?ready.“

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Russell asked O’Neal to prove to him that he belongs up there with the greats. Shaq is among the top players to have ever graced the NBA and has undoubtedly solidified his spot in that elite group.

O’Neal gets candid with Rich Eisen about Bill Russell

When O’Neal spoke to Eisen about the passing away of Russell, Shaq had a candid conversation with him. The two talked about retiring Bill Russell’s number and how Shaq felt he was not as great as Kareem, Russell, and Wilt.

Shaq said, “One of my greatest days but Mr. Russell, he would definitely be missed. You are correct; he was a funny guy, he was a nice?guy, and he just told me so many stories, and he’s definitely going to be missed.”

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The departure of Russell made Shaq and Rich revel in anecdotes of the legend and his impact on the NBA. Hopefully, the NBA honors Russell for his contribution!