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NBA, Basketball Herren, USA All Star-Saturday Night, Feb 15, 2020 Chicago, Illinois, USA Former NBA player Shaquille O Neal laughs while standing next to Los Angeles Lakers player Dwight Howard during the slam dunk contest during NBA All Star Saturday Night at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports, 15.02.2020 21:02:24, 14049251, NPStrans, Shaquille O Neal, Los Angeles Lakers, United Center, Former NBA, Dwight Howard, NBA, TopPic PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKylexTeradax 14049251
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1017657451h-1.jpg?width=600)
via Imago
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA All Star-Saturday Night, Feb 15, 2020 Chicago, Illinois, USA Former NBA player Shaquille O Neal laughs while standing next to Los Angeles Lakers player Dwight Howard during the slam dunk contest during NBA All Star Saturday Night at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports, 15.02.2020 21:02:24, 14049251, NPStrans, Shaquille O Neal, Los Angeles Lakers, United Center, Former NBA, Dwight Howard, NBA, TopPic PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKylexTeradax 14049251
The Orlando Magic have seen some great big men join their ranks. While the two don’t get along one bit, both Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard were franchise cornerstones in Orlando at one point. Shaq and Howard went on to win rings elsewhere but a sense of animosity persisted between them. As Dwight works toward an NBA return, he has constantly wished that the two centers could mend fences. During the NBA Finals, the league had some select rookies present during media day. The Rookie of the Year winner, however, may have inadvertently started up the feud again with his choice of answers.
While at the event, Magic Rookie, Paolo Banchero, spoke in depth about the Finals. His career, and of course, the legacy of Orlando’s Big Men.
Paolo Banchero sides with Shaquille O’Neal
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As part of media day, three other rookies were also present. Benedict Mathurin, Walker Kessler, and Jalen Williams were present at the event. Speaking about his presence, Paolo revealed how the NBA presented him with the opportunity. Wanting to take in the Finals atmosphere, he immediately accepted.
Additionally, Banchero mentioned how he enjoyed the question-asking side of the bracket as well and could see himself becoming an interviewer in the future.
Prime Dwight or prime Shaq from their Orlando days? 🤔
Paolo Banchero: “Dwight was pretty freakin good… I think Shaq came out his rookie year dominating quicker as a rookie, so I’ll give it to Shaq.”
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/28KCD9qQBw
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 11, 2023
With the Nuggets-Heat Finals at 2-1, Paolo even offered his two cents about the series. “It’s a great series. I think it’s gonna be back and forth the whole way. I’ve been saying Nuggets in 7, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Heat won as well.” But the main meat of the interview came when asked about the legends before him.
When he was asked who among the two bigs was better in their Orlando days, Banchero replied, “I have to give the slight edge to Shaq because he has a lot of the records also Dwight does have some records as well. But I think Shaq came out dominating quicker as a rookie” While the Orlando days are surely a debatable topic, over their careers, Shaq was clearly the bigger force. With Paolo’s comments, Howard might be reconsidering wanting to reconcile with Diesel.
Dwight’s plea to Shaq for reconciliation
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Recently, Dwight alleged that he wanted to squash any beef he and Shaq may have. Going a step further, Howard proclaimed that he hasn’t had any problems with the big man. Citing his age, the 2020 NBA champion said that he had outgrown having petty squabbles with anyone.
He further pleaded to reach a resolution between the two. “I don’t have no beef with anyone. The me and Shaq thing, I don’t know what it is. If we have to go to dinner, or if we have to come on this show to have a discussion, I’ll do whatever it is.”
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As the two “Superman” of the NBA, it would be a nice change of pace if the two finally got along. Hopefully, Shaq can let the beef slide soon.