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7’2 Giant Dikembe Mutombo Beats Shaquille O’Neal in Shoe Size As It Proved to Be Double of Comedian Conan O’Brien’s Face in 1998

Published 10/17/2022, 7:00 PM EDT

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One of the most popular NBA giants fans know of is former Los Angeles Lakers player, Shaquille O’Neal. However, a certain former NBA star surpasses even the Big Aristotle in height. Former Atlanta Hawks star Dikembe Mutombo has a towering height of seven-foot-two-inch in contrast to Shaq’s seven-foot-one-inch. Selected by the Denver Nuggets, Mutombo entered the league through the 1991 NBA Draft. Mount Mutombo quickly established himself as one of the best shot blockers in the league’s history.

In February 6, 1998, Dikembe Mutombo appeared in Late Night with Conan O’Brien show. As soon as O’Brien met Mutombo, the first question he asked was about the latter’s height. Mutombo replied that he was about seven-foot-two or seven-foot-three, to which O’Brien joked that no one has been able to measure his height. As the conversation continued, O’Brien’s co-host actor-comedian Andy Richter commented on Mutombo’s shoes. Seeing the massive footwear, O’Brien asked his shoe size. Mutombo responded that he wore a size 22, in contrast to Shaq’s size 20 when the Diesel first joined the league.

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Measuring the shoe against his face, O’Brien said, “Ladies and gentlemen, for those of you who don’t know…I’ve got a really big head. I’ve got a Big Ted Kennedy Irish head,” said O’Brien.

Still holding the Mutombo’s giant shoe, O’Brien added, “I could get inside this thing and live for the winter. This is giant!”

As it turns out, the shoe appeared to be twice as big as Conan’s face, which was a difficult sight for the audience to grasp. In response, they gasped and cheered in wonder. Furthermore, Mutombo revealed that he goes to a special store to get the shoes of his size.

Shaquille O’Neal and Dikembe Mutombo’s 2001 feud

Known as one of the dominant players in the league, fans have always found Shaquille O’Neal intimidating. Additionally, thanks to his colossal build, he was able to easily overpower his opponents on the court. However, his tactics and physical attributes didn’t seem to work on Atlanta Hawks star Dikembe Mutombo, which frustrated Shaq.

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While the Los Angeles Lakers won the 2001 NBA Finals, O’Neal ended up being exasperated after he fouled out in Game 3. He even went on to indicate that Mutombo was flopping which did not sit well with the latter. Previously in Game 1, Shaq wanted to assert his dominance to Mutombo, so hit the latter with his elbow. This resulted in Mutombo needing three stitches.

In response to Shaq’s claim about him flopping, Mutombo said ,“I’m not flopping. I’ve never been called or looked at like someone who’s been flopping in a game. I think if I had been flopping, I would not be Defensive Player of the Year or I would not win as many trophies as I have won in my career. How am I going to flop if I have so many stitches in my mouth?”

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What is your reaction after learning Mutombo’s shoe size? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Siyari Debbarma

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Siyari Debbarma is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. She is currently pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering from Abascus Institute of Engineering and Management. She previously interned at the Y-East Organization as a content writer.
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