via Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Shaquille O’Neal looks on prior to a game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
via Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Shaquille O’Neal looks on prior to a game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Sometimes it’s better not to face your problems head-on, and Shaquille O’Neal would vouch for that. Being in Poland, Shaq took a break from his usual DJ Diesel alter ego. His trip to the central European country was part of his marketing campaign, ‘Hey, this is SHAQ,’ promoting his personal brand and Reebok. O’Neal was visiting Poland at CCC’s special invitation. During one of those activities, his 7-foot-1 frame turned out to be quite something.
The CCC group added the ‘Shaq’ brand and Reebok to its latest collection. The latest autumn-winter collection features classic sneakers in neutral colors, as well as bold color combinations like lilac and lime or vibrant pink and green. Shaquille O’Neal visited the CCC offices in Warsaw and took part in the SK Foundation charity event.
The 2-day trip included a celebrity basketball game, a sports trivia quiz, a relaxation zone, a VIP area, and many other attractions. And one such attraction at any basketball game is the dunk contest. Shaquille O’Neal was in the usual position as a prop facing the opposite side. The player tried his hardest but ultimately failed and could be seen sitting on Shaq’s big shoulders.
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The entire crowd in the arena was quiet, but the Lakers’ legend was laughing. He even made the joke on his Instagram post with the caption, “This dunk was nutz”. Not just the joke on social media, but throughout the video, Shaq could be seen laughing. At the end, he even pointed at the camera to confirm if they caught the moment on camera.
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Although this attempt was unsuccessful, earlier this year, Shaquille O’Neal was part of a dunk contest, which turned out to be positive. Not just for him, but for the other player dunking as well.
Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t mind being a prop for the contest
Before the 2024 dunk contest, Ernie Johnson asked the Los Angeles Lakers legend a simple question- “Would you consider yourself to be the most powerful dunker of all time?” The 4x NBA Champion instantly answered, “Of course, with no hesitation.” This year’s contest featured Jaylen Brown, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Jacob Toppin, and defending champion Mac McClung.
The defending champion first asked Shaquille O’Neal to wear his old high school jersey. And then he grabbed the ball out of Shaq’s hands and leaped clear over the 7-ft-1 Hall of Famer. Thus, earning five perfect scores on his final attempt and the 6-ft-2 guard was the 2-time champion.
It was Shaquille O’Neal who motivated McClung after his first title in 2023. Shaq called McClung and shared a few wholesome words. The Big Diesel told him, “Nobody knows your name. Make ’em remember your name“. Maybe he has given the same motivation to the Polish talent after the failed dunk attempt.
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.
