Q: Talking last night about how you were a student of the game, growing up, who were the centers that you looked up and said, "One of these days I'd like to be remembered as being like him?" O'Neal: Well, coming out of high school, Charles Shackleford was my favorite center and I stole his name, I stole his number, his identity. He was the original Shaq. Then there was Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Rony Seikaly. (Laughter.) No, really. Remember how Seikaly used to dunk at Syracuse, he used to lift his legs up? That's why Seikaly. But anyway, then as I entered the NBA, my favorite player was Hakeem and still is Hakeem, because he was a competitor, never really complained when he played against me. He was a warrior, never raised his voice, always smiled. Off the court he was a nice, calm guy. I always said to myself if I was compared to anybody, I would like to be compared to him
It's funny, I don't think I've ever like a guy as much off the court as I hated that guy on the court. I guess some good quotes and a Rick Reilly article will do that. ------------------ [This message has been edited by DaFranchise (edited June 16, 2000).]
As much as I try yo dislike Shaq I'm finding it increasingly difficult. He says some stupid things off the court, but I have commend the way he has handled himself in the playoffs. Maybe I'm missing things, but he doesn't seem to complain, get angry or showboat - he just maintains a calm demeanor throughought the game. You have to hand it to the guy - it must be frustrating getting the Hack a Shaq(and taking some serious physical abuse in the process), being forced to shoot so many bad freethrows, AND STILL MAINTAINING HIS COMPOSURE. In Wednesday nights game, his 6th foul in Overtime was dubious at best, yet he didn't say a word - just took it like a man and sat down. I think he is winning some friends this year. ------------------ http://rocketdavo.tripod.com
Shaq is the only reason I want the Lakers to win the championship this year. I think he genuinely wants to be "the next Hakeem" and to think that he's looked up to him his entire career really means something. Shaq is definately ready to take to torch. -Turbo
only thing i hate is i was in a hoops chat the other day and they were talking about how great shaq was and i mentioned hakeem and they were saying it was a joke to compare hakeem to shaq because hakeem never was near as good as shaq is now and shaq will by far be a lot better then dream ever thought about being ------------------ Shane "Save Our Rockets" "Life without basketball in Houston........without an arena that is what it will be"
Shaq is an NBA fungus. . . heheheh he is growing on me. . . I use to hate him now. . .I think he ok Kobie. . .annoys me. . . I don't mind shaq winning . . .he deserves it. but Kobie? now I get to listen to KOBIE MICHEAL JORDAN BRYANT 's favorite *sskisser bob costas Rocket River "Kobie is greater than MJ because MJ didn't get his 1st title until he was 28 . . .Kobe got his at 20' - bob costas logic "Bob, what about this huge guy name shaq who carried the lakers. . . did MJ have someone like that' 'It doesn't matter. . . because Kobe would have done this with out shaq. . and D*MMIT It's true!!' bob costas BTW anyone know what kind of name is Costas? [real question not a jab] ------------------
finally you all are seeing the light.. this isn'th the first time shaq has complimented dream, on numerous interveiws he always mentions hakeem and in 94 or 95' there was a nba commercial that they ran and it was with shaq and in the background were dream's highlights and he was talking about hakeem and at the end he said "if i could be like any player i want to be like dream" it was pretty touching. ------------------ johnny "red" kerr:i'm glad the bulls did'nt draft steve francis. dan roan: why!!!!! johnny red kerr:because he would forever be compared to michael jordan.
Anyone else remember the Taco Bell commercials? LOL And remember the Pay Per View that was scheduled to happen AFTER the 1995 Series? I was soooooo disappointed when Dream got hurt and couldnt whip Shaqs butt on PPV, one on one. ------------------
Yea, I was ready to shell out for that one! Wasn't it for a million dollars? ------------------ We need some meat in the post!
It was a ten round contest with I think 2 or 5 minute rounds, and each round was worth 100 grand. ------------------
Thank You. Brahma! Anyone who has watched Shaq since the series with the Rockets knows that he has a lot of respect for Dream. That may be one of the reasons that I have rooted for Shaq since that series. I hated the Lakers back in the '80's when they played against the Celtics, but since Shaq has gone there, they have been my SECOND favorite team. It is because I like Shaq so much (as a basketball player/comedian), that I have been able to watch the Lakers games over the years and appreciate the growth of Kobe Bryant. Don't let NBC's (OVER)coverage turn you off. These are two great talents! And Shaq has never been shy about proclaiming Dream's importance in his career. ------------------ The Wizard when asked about his WWJD bracelet: "It's my good luck charm. It stands for 'Walt Williams Just Doin' it'."
As nice of a guy Shaq is and respecting the Dream, I will NEVER EVER root for the Lakers and the L.A. Fans. They are the worst fans, the worst city, the worst EVERYTHING. I cringe everytime I see Kobe touch the ball knowing that Costas will say something idiotic. I was delighted to see his 4-20 shooting performance last night. I have to say that I am impressed by Robert Horry during the playoffs. He showed glimpses of his Rocketness lately and I'm happy that he is getting respect from Phil Jackson. I just can't believe this team-the Lakers-with a bunch of scrubs like Rick Fox, Derek Fisher, John Salley, etc. are gonna win. I'm praying for a miracle win Game 6 to halt the madness in L.A. I was watching the Post Game in L.A. on my Direct TV and these L.A. fans were killing me. That is such a cop out to say "The Lakers wanted to win it in L.A." That's a bunch of crap. The GREAT TEAMS - including the Rockets - knew how to CLOSE OUT a SERIES. I hated the Lakers in the 80s, I hate them EVEN MORE in the 00s. UUGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH ------------------ www.takeoutmusic.com- the future of independent music
Shaq still has a ways to go before I will root for him, but that quote actually makes me believe that despite the size of his cranial cavity that he might have good intentions. When Shaq praised Hakeem before I thought it was simply because Hakeem's game was the antithesis to Shaq's and everyone always wants what they haven't got. I thought that Shaq being the big powerful dunking machine wanted Hakeem's finesse, speed and shot (especially FT shot). At least he has given some signs of not being such a thug because he has stated now that part of his interest in Hakeem is his demeanor and proffesionalism. Shaq will have to lose his hatred for David Robinson and stop doing ridiculuous things like the Ostertag cheap shot. If he grows emotionally, which I still don't believe will happen because of his IQ, I might root for him. It'll take a couple years minimum. My prediction for Shaq's next bumble will be how he handles Kobe's growing reputation. What happens if Kobe gets the Finals MVP? Ego Meltdown. [This message has been edited by Doctor Robert (edited June 17, 2000).]
Doesn't matter what he says or does (unless he provided me with a briefcase with 2.5 million dollars, all 100's) I will not pull for the guy.....and you can't make me!!! ------------------ HOOP-T Hey Shaq, Acme called, and they want their bricks back!
I don't root for Shaq, but I do LOVE the way he screws with reporters, by changing words etc. The man is very intelligent, and sly as a fox. DaDakota ------------------
I think both Shaq and Kobe are even better than what their proponents say he is ... including (ugh!) Bob Costas. Shaq is a dominant force in the NBA. He wasn't always. But he is now. The absolute most dominant player in the league. His size hasn't changed much, but his attitude, his dedication to his craft has. In the last year and a half, Kobe has made a complete turnaround in my humble opinion. From a spoiled, media seeking, one-man gamer he has become a team leader with a wide and varied, but controlled offense and a a relentless defensive arsenal that should earn him top awards next year.(I would like to know why not this year, when he wasn't even mentioned on the defensive first team?). I am NOT a Laker's fan. But I know talent. It's just that agreeing with Costas hurts the most. ------------------
