NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most popular former athletes ever. It was very evident in the recently concluded NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022. This was the first ever time NBA pre-season games were played in the United Arab Emirates. The latest attempt by the league to expand its reach on a global stage. The Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks locked horns in the encounter. And the stars were out in numbers, however, none shining more brightly than the Big Diesel. Shaq traveled with several other NBA legends as ambassadors of the league.

After coming back from UAE, O’Neal went straight to business with his podcasts, appearances, etc. In the recent episode of the ‘Big Podcast with Shaq,’ co-host Nischelle Turner asked him about the Abu Dhabi trip. At the very beginning of the show, it appeared like Shaq was smoking a hookah. When asked what it was, he replied with a grin, “Smoky mountain water!”

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Turner replied, “Apparently. Spicy this man goes to Abu Dhabi and he comes back.

She then asked the Big Aristotle about the impact his trip to the Middle-East has had on him, “Are you evolved? Have you been to the Mecca? Like what is happening Shaquille?”

NFL veteran Spice Adams wanted to hear about it as well. However, the Los Angeles Lakers legend was not ready.

Shaquille O’Neal jumps straight into business

As per reports, in 2010, Shaquille O’Neal revealed his spiritual dream about taking the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, popularly known as Hajj. However, it is unclear whether he visited the holy place during his visit.

While the four-time champion was away, some interesting things happened in the country. One of which wass Draymond Green‘s violent altercation with teammate Jordan Poole. So the former MVP was ready to jump into talking about those things. When asked to talk about his experience in Abu Dhabi, he said, “I was going to until I came back and seen all this crazy news.” 

Nischelle Turner admitted they have a lot to talk about with all the things that were going on. The crew proceeded with discussing some of the most interesting and viral things that were going around.

During his time in Abu Dhabi for the NBA Games, Shaq was asked about who he thinks has a chance at the title. O’Neal, who is a huge Stephen Curry admirer stated the Golden State Warriors have a chance.

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Despite the altercation with Green and Poole, the Warriors are looking strong. After a nervy week of speculations, things have seemingly cooled down now. However, it will be interesting to see how things unfold in the upcoming weeks, especially with Green’s contract situation.