Shaquille O’Neal on Being 6’4” at Just 10 Years Old: “I Was Teased So I Had to Become a Bully”

When someone talks about the best players to play in the NBA, some names are constant. Among them is Shaquille O’Neal, the 7-foot-1 inch center. Apart from his exploits on the court, Shaquille O’Neal has also established himself as one of the most popular media personalities in the world.

The first thing everyone notices in Shaq is his huge physical build and his height. In a recent interview, Shaq talks about his height and experiences. 

Shaq talks about his physicality

During an interview, the interviewer googled facts about Shaq and asked him to verify if they were true. The first question was whether Shaquille O’Neal was 6-foot-4 inches tall when he was 10 years old.

To which Shaq replied, “True. First of all, I was handsome as hell, still had a beautiful smile.” He added, “I was big for my size, so I used to get teased. So I had to learn how to become a bully. I’m fun and I don’t like to hurt people, but when you start ganging up on me, I always have to turn the table.”

Shaq’s height has played a key role in his career, as his physicality helped him dominate opponents easily. 

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How was Shaquille O’Neal as a player?

Shaquille O’Neil entered the 1992 NBA draft with a reputation of being a very physical player. Orlando Magic signed him as the first overall pick. Shaq averaged 23.4 points per game and 13.9 rebounds per game in his rookie season.

Shaq led the Orlando Magic through the 1995 NBA playoffs and eliminated Michael Jordan, who was making his comeback to professional basketball. His most successful stint came with the Los Angeles Lakers, forming a partnership with Kobe Bryant and winning 3 championships.

Miami Heat then acquired Shaquille O’Neal’s services alongside a young Dwyane Wade. The duo was an instant hit as they led the Heat to an NBA championship in 2006.

The big man’s glittering career ended in 2011 while playing for the Boston Celtics. He retired with 4 NBA championships, 3 NBA final MVP awards, and 15 times NBA All-Star. His career averages are 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.

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What is your favorite memory of Shaquille O’Neal? Let us know in the comments below.