“Nothing I ever did was to come at Shaq or try to be like Shaq or try to imitate Shaq.” In a recent revelation, Dwight Howard spoke about his ongoing beef with Shaquille O’Neal and how it was never to disrespect the icon. Their journey to the top of the NBA has been similar, both being the overall number one draft pick selected by the Orlando Magic. Later winning a championship with the Lakers. However, Howard revealed he only learned about The Big Aristotle thanks to Penny Hardaway.

“I didn’t know about Shaq until 11th grade going into my 12th grade year when the Lakers was playing Philadelphia in the finals. Yes, that’s the first time I knew about Shaq and I didn’t even know he was at that time. I didn’t even know him and Penny was on the same team in Orlando, I just knew about Penny.” Appearing on Thanalysis Show, he answered about his thoughts about the continuous back and forth with Shaq.

Previously too, the 3x DPOY had stated that had no intention of playing the Big position, and that’s why he never truly paid attention to the 4x NBA Champions game while growing up. On the Entirely NBA podcast, dismissing any notion of him mimicking his game after Shaquille O’Neal. “It’s not like I’m trying to be like Shaq. To be honest, I never paid attention to Shaq until I saw him win against Philly. That’s the first time I really who Shaq was when they beat Philly at the Lakers.”

He maintained his stance again on Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s show. “I never watched Centers until I got to the NBA and I had to become a center. I never watched Center, so know for someone to think that you know I have some type of animosity.” The beef reached a new level when the two opined about having a boxing match to settle the score. At least both of them agree with each other’s comments, which is a rare phenomenon.

Dwight Howard and Shaquille O’Neal want the same thing for Penny Hardaway

In February last year, the four-time NBA Champion became the first player in Orlando Magic history to have his jersey hang in the rafters. In fact, DH-12 even congratulated, “Congrats to Shaq 🙌🏾 one Superman down, thank you Magic 💪🏾.” He took his shot, reminding the fans and everyone about his nine-year contribution to the franchise. Previously, the three-time Finals MVP agreed but wanted the honor first for Penny Hardaway.

“I understand his point. He played there nine years, he’d done a lot of things, definitely a fabulous player, but I see Penny (Hardaway) going in before him. And then I see T-Mac (Tracy McGrady).” The 4x NBA All-Star spent six years of his career with Magic and even helped them reach the 1995 finals. That is why even Dwight Howard wants the team to the right thing for the former guard.

“I think when the season starts – whenever that may be – he should have his jersey put up for what he did not just the team, but for the city. We all know how great Penny has been for the game of basketball.” So who should be next in line for the honor from the Orlando team? Penny Hardaway or Dwight Howard?

Dwight Howard spoke about his origins of beef with Shaquille O’Neal and named Penny Hardaway’s unintentional role