4 time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest centers to have ever blessed the league. In fact, he had the potential to become much more than what he retired as. Players like Kobe Bryant have talked about how Shaq’s easy-going attitude did not allow him to become even better than he already was.
Interestingly enough, legendary coach Phil Jackson was one of the few who got Shaq motivated. Speaking in an interview, the 7’1″ Lakers legend discussed how he faced a rough period during his time in Los Angeles.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Getty
Head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers Phil Jackson (R) talks with Shaquille O’Neal (L) 05 June, 2001, during practice for the NBA Finals at the Staples Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers will face the Philadelphia 76ers in game one starting 06 June, 2001. (Photo: JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images)
This led to the media and the fans pointing fingers at Shaq Diesel for the team’s failure. That’s when Phil Jackson stepped in. He advised Shaq with something and the words went on to help him immensely.
Shaq said, “We just didn’t focus and it got to the point where everybody start pointing at me, Shaq doing this, Shaq doing that. So, I was like, okay, let me use my powers again. This coach ain’t gonna work, bring me, Phil Jackson.“
He added, “So they bring in Phil and we have a conversation. Phil says, it’s your fault, only thing Michael did was play. He said if you guarantee me you’ll do what Michael used to do, you’re not only gonna get MVP and win. I said alright cool. I did it and it worked.“
Jackson joined the Lakers during the 1999-00 season and helped them to an NBA title. Moreover, Shaq played an important role in the finals.
Shaquille O’Neal stepped up when it mattered the most
Leaving all his antics and pranks aside, Shaquille O’Neal always stepped up when it mattered the most. Out of the 4 NBA titles he has, O’Neal has 3 Finals MVP awards to his name. Not to mention he won it over another NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
Shaq averaged a phenomenal 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists during the 2000 finals. Subsequently, he averaged 33.0 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists after the 2001 finals. For the 2002 finals, O’Neal managed a whopping 36.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. These numbers earned Shaquille O’Neal 3 straight Finals MVP awards.
WATCH THIS STORY: 3 Times 395 Pound NBA Giant Shaquille ONeal Scared The Life Out Of Fans By Diving Head First Into The Crowd
What is your favorite memory of Shaquille O’Neal? Let us know in the comments down below.
