25 Years Before ?Esophagus? Threat to Scottie Pippen, Shaquille O?Neal Toyed With Michael Jordan?s Arch-Nemesis at a Team USA Practice

Shaquille O’Neal is easily the most dominant player to have ever played in the NBA. The friendly giant was a phenom when he first entered the league. Shattering multiple backboards and records, Shaq brought a style that was foreign for its time. Orlando drafted him in 1992 and Shaq immediately became a crowd favorite as he demonstrated his ability. Forming a formidable pairing with Penny Hardaway, the duo took the Magic to consecutive playoff appearances. Rivaling Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the East, the center was no stranger to competition.

While his Orlando Magic was the only team to stop MJ during his two three-peats, Diesel has always respected His Airness. Recently, he called out Scottie Pippen for his claims. But long before that Shaq once dominated Jordan’s nemesis during a Team USA practice.

Shaquille O’Neal humbles Jordan’s nemesis in USA practice

Most fans consider Michael Jordan to be the greatest player ever. Winning 6 championships during the 1990s, Jordan was a force to be reckoned with. Feared by many, the tale of Black Jesus was known to scare most opponents. Barring one: Gary Payton.

Speaking of MJ during Netflix’s ‘The Last Dance’ the 2006 NBA champion stated, “A lot of people backed down to Mike, I didn’t. I made it a point, I said ‘just tire him out. Tire the f*** out of him.”

The Glove was a beloved entity during his time in the NBA and was a part of the first team-all-defense 9 times in a row. Despite his immense popularity Shaq once dismantled this defensive juggernaut during a Team USA practice.

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In a thread shared by NBA’s official account, Shaq could be seen toying with the 1996 DPOY as he seamlessly drained a 3-pointer.

 

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Famous for only shooting one three in his entire NBA career the clip showcased a side of Shaq that not many had seen. It also displayed a young?Diesel‘s encounter with the Chicago Bulls‘ #33.

Scottie Pippen threatened by Shaq as 25-year-old clip resurfaces

In the same video that Shaq dismantles Gary Payton, Bulls legend Scottie Pippen is featured.

In fact, fans could see a young and agile O’Neal cross up the then-veteran forward. While enough time has passed since then, Shaq recently threatened Pippen as his relationship with Jordan continues to deteriorate. Notably, Pip called MJ selfish and hypocritical for his portrayal of the Chicago Bulls in his docuseries.

Scottie’s comments on him being ?just as good as Jordan? seem to have ticked off the Los Angeles Lakers legend. Responding to the six-time champion, Shaq threatened to take him down as he stated. “He didn?t say that. He never said that. If that man says that in front of me, Imma hit him right in the esophagus.”

With Scottie’s ex-wife having admitted to ruining Michael’s relationship with Pippen, there are clearly a lot of third parties invested in one of the NBA’s greatest duos. Of course, most of use probably hope that the two can bury the hatchet.

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