Shaquille O’Neal Reveals if Dwight Howard Deserves Jersey Retirement Honor, Spills the Beans on Controversial Beef

Shaquille O’Neal is a big-hearted person, and time and time again he justifies himself with his giving nature. So, to think Shaq might have a problem with someone is odd. Dwight Howard however is probably an exception. Howard and Shaq have represented the Orlando Magic as their first team in the NBA. Shaq was part of the Magic for 4 years and Howard represented Magic for 8 years. Another thing common is both are NBA champions but not with the Magic.

One month ago, the Orlando Magic decided to honor his legacy by retiring Shaq’s jersey. Thus, becoming the first Magic player whose jersey will be retired. In an interview with Complex Sports, Shaq shared his opinion on Howard and their beef. The 4X NBA champion denied there is a history between the two Supermen. He said, “We don’t have history. I’m an elder. I always try to give certain advice and I can only give advice through tough motivation.” On Howard’s jersey retirement discussion, the 52-year-old was very clear.

The Big Aristotle explains it’s not in his power to decide whose jersey will be retired. Yet he gave names of other people who could have the honor before Dwight Howard.

Read More: Moments After Shaquille O’Neal’s Jersey Retirement, Dwight Howard Makes Cryptic Demand From Magic: “One Superman Down”

Shaquille O’Neal’s preference over Dwight Howard

The Big Diesel explained to Complex Sports, “He (Howard) played there nine years. He’s done a lot of things, but it’s not my decision on who goes in? But I see Penny (Hardaway) going in before him. And then I see T-Mac (Tracy McGrady), and then I see him.”

Shaq explains his tough love philosophy. “Like for example, if I say you don’t write good articles and you don’t respond and just keep writing, I know you’re a monster. Like I know this kid, he’s a tough kid. If I say you write a bad article and then you come back like “well, I had a higher GPA than you” blah blah then I know I can’t even speak to you.”

He wrapped it up by saying there is no doubt in Howard’s ability but whenever he speaks about him, D-12 gets sensitive about the situation.

Should Howard be the second person to get his jersey retired by Orlando Magic, or do you agree with Shaq that other people deserve the honor before him?

Read More: Forgiveness Is In the Air as Shaquille O’Neal’s Beef With Dwight Howard Comes to Abrupt End