Throughout his 19-year career, Shaquille O’Neal’s larger-than-life personality resulted in countless memorable partnerships. From chasing a championship with Dwyane Wade in Miami to strategizing pick-and-rolls with Steve Nash in Phoenix O’Neal’s journey through six different NBA franchises has created many dynamic duos. Moreover, it seems like the seven-footer has ultimately made his choice for his ultimate teammate which may surprise you.

In a recent episode of his podcast, O’Neal dropped a bombshell that has set the basketball world abuzz. The 4x NBA champion declared Penny Hardaway, his former Orlando Magic running mate, as the best teammate he’s ever played with. “The best for me was to play with was Penny Hardaway because Penny Hardaway was super unselfish. Like he gave me the ball everytime,“ said Shaq during the Big Podcast.

James and O’Neal played together in the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season. Young James combined with veteran O’Neal was good as the Cavs finished the season 61-21 and even advanced the Cavaliers to the playoffs’ Eastern Conference semi-finals. Unfortunately for the duo, O’Neal moved to the Boston Celtics the next year.

Still, Penny Hardaway is a pretty understandable choice. From 1993 to 1996, their short, explosive partnership changed the game with furious inside-out power. The playmaking skills, and unstoppable force of O’Neal’s in the paint, led the franchise to its first trip to the NBA Finals in 1995. “They ask me all the time, they say, ‘Who’s better, Penny or Kobe?’ And I’ll always say, Penny was Kobe before Kobe,” said Shaq about Hardaway while comparing him with his other great teammate.

Penny’s combination of size, skill, and court vision at 6-ft-7 created matchup nightmares for opponents, while his ability to read Shaq’s movements made their pick-and-roll game nearly unstoppable. Before injuries derailed his career, Hardaway was averaging 17.5 points and 6.7 assists per game during their peak years together, earning four All-Star selections in the process.

While basketball fans might debate O’Neal’s choice, his selection of Hardaway offers a glimpse into what he values most in a teammate – not just championship rings or statistical achievements, but the pure chemistry and joy of playing the game together. Moreover the seven-footer once even apologized to Hardaway.

When Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway’s ego broke them apart

There have been numerous instances when O’Neal had lauded Hardaway. But one time, the seven-footer wasn’t able to control his emotions and issued a public apology to his former teammate and revealed the underlying reasons for his departure from the Orlando Magic. “I would like to take the time to apologize to you. I probably said some stuff I shouldn’t have said. If I ever did rub you the wrong way…I apologize,” said Shaq to Penny.

O’Neal, who played alongside Hardaway during their time with the Magic, expressed regret for any misunderstandings or hurt feelings that may have arisen during their tenure together. “Now that I’m looking back, why did we break up? Egos. Other people were talking and that was the only time I broke the professional jealousy thing…When they said it wasn’t my team anymore, it hurt a little bit. Since they said it wasn’t my team, it’s his team now, let’s see what the other teams want to offer me,” added Shaq.

Shaq’s departure from the team was indeed something that the Magic fans didn’t want. People still think about what would have happened if O’Neal had stayed for a bit longer, after all, under the O’Neal-Hardaway partnership the Orlando Magic had a W-L record of 167-79 and went onto playoffs in three consecutive seasons. However, Hardaway had never taken Shaq’s sudden move to his heart. The two former teammates have reunited on several occasions, fostering a renewed sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.