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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal attends the unveiling of the Shaq Courts at the Doolittle Complex donated by Icy Hot and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation in partnership with the city of Las Vegas on October 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Icy Hot)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal attends the unveiling of the Shaq Courts at the Doolittle Complex donated by Icy Hot and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation in partnership with the city of Las Vegas on October 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Icy Hot)
The NBA honored their 75 greatest players during a ceremony. This was a part of the 75th Anniversary Team portion of the All-Star Game on Sunday. On that list of players, there was one more name, Shaquille O’Neal. On top of that, he took part in the pre-game and post-game NBA analysis on the TNT studio show.
NBA history remembers Shaq as the most dominant player of all time. Shaq is still regarded as a tough competitor. His basketball journey began with the support he received from his stepfather. He followed in the footsteps of his NBA idols and that led him to where he is now.
At the All-Star game, he had the chance to spend time with his idols. Growing up, watching these players play made him feel strong and inspired him to pursue a career in sports. Shaq gave a powerful speech before tip-off that included all those that helped and supported him to get to where he is today.
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His childhood mentors, his stepfather, the players he watched as a child. His teammates during his career. In addition, he mentioned the bond he had with his friend and former teammate, Kobe Bryant.
Shaquille O’Neal thanked his father for instilling the qualities that make him who he is today
In his speech, he expressed his gratitude to the former players who inspired him. He mentioned his family, who wasn’t at the event. He also mentioned his friend Kobe, “What really saddened me about today is that my father couldn’t be there, my sister couldn’t be there, and my main man, Kobe Bryant, couldn’t be here,” he said.
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Los Angeles Lakers Shaquille O’Neal, left, shares a laugh with Kobe Bryant on the bench during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim Thursday, October 23, 2003. (Photo by Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
He then continued his speech by thanking Sergeant Phillip Arthur Harrison, his stepfather. It was he who introduced him to this sport. He also assisted in any way possible to support him throughout his career. As a result of his assistance, Shaq has become the man he is today in the NBA.
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“He’s the guy that told me one day that I would be here,” O’Neal said. “I was a medium-level, high-level juvenile delinquent, was always told I would never ever make it. He convinced me to do well in school. Do well in school for me was all Cs. I get all Cs, he takes me to Madison Square Garden, Dr. J goes baseline, throws it down, the crowd goes crazy.”
Must watch: Shaq’s emotional 4-minute speech on @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/RwfynnERLa
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 21, 2022
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Shaq’s story is inspiring many young players to reach the level Shaq has and have a future in this sport. His struggles serve as an example for the next generation of people who want to become NBA players. With the help of his family and stepfather, he has made it this far. We’d love to hear your reactions to Shaq’s speech.
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