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After Shaquille O’Neal Gives His Blessing to LeBron James-Led Dream Team, 37YO “Rival” Unveils Plans for Team USA

Published 09/11/2023, 7:30 AM EDT

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Team USA’s historic collapse in the FIBA World Cup has brought attention from all corners. Despite being the overwhelming favorites, the nation with the best basketball league came away empty-handed from the tournament. As a result, conversation is rampant about possible solutions. Whether it be the firing of the coach or lack of talent, multiple reasons for the downfall have come forward. However, in terms of remedy, the obvious answer is sending in a star-studded dream team. Even Shaquille O’Neal gave his blessing to that idea.

But, while LeBron James and superstars teaming up remains an unlikely possibility, another candidate is emerging forward. Putting his own name in the proverbial hat, could this Orlando Magic legend’s bid be a slight at Shaq?

The Taiwan Superteam recommended by Shaq’s former rival

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There is one particular graphic that has been going viral ever since Team USA’s defeat. It showcases LeBron and a bunch of superstars, like Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Stephen Curry to name a few. Sending in a contingent of the best US players seems like a safe bet. However, Dwight Howard has other plans. Taking to his Instagram, Superman took a few names he would like on his potential team to represent the country.

USA. What’s going on now? Y’all need to call your boys back now. Bring the group back together. Melo, Bron, KD, Dwight Howard, Steph…” Interestingly, the 6’11 Center added retired legends Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade to his dream squad.

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After Shaq’s approval of the previous God Squad, could Dwight be reigning a rivalry? It would be well-warranted.

Here’s a quick test for you. What would you call a player who won 3 consecutive DPOY awards, led his team to the Finals outclassing LeBron James himself, and is one of the best defenders of all time?

Usually, underrated isn’t the first word that comes to mind. But, in the case of Howard, that is exactly the answer.

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Due to a never-ending feud with the Los Angeles Lakers great Shaq, the one-time Champion remains among the most disrespected legends in NBA history. As a result, he even missed the cut for the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.

Could the far different plan for Team USA lead to yet another chapter in the rivalry?

Shaquille O’Neal endorses LeBron squad

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O’Neal was all in on plans for a surefire Dream Team. But, it seems like Dwight has other plans for the side. Even though the 4-time Champion tried to put an end to the rivalry, this latest chapter could add another layer to it.

Due to the embarrassing defeat, the US national side came away empty-handed at the World Cup.

While the immediate lack of star power was apparent, the current roster felt sufficient. However, their shortcomings were heavily exposed in a battle against Germany in the semi-finals. Then, a war of attrition against the other favorites, Canada, ended in heartbreak as well.

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As a result, not even Bronze came to be for the side. What changes will be made for the next run remains to be seen, but Shaq thinks it’s time go all in with the best in the league called to the fore. Do you agree?

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Written by:

Priyanshu

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Priyanshu Choudhary is an NBA Writer at Essentially Sports. Basketball has been his favorite sport for over a decade, and he has written close to 300 articles. If asked what he loves about the sport, Priyanshu would cite the technique, the breakdown, the ebb and flow and the theatrics that have endeared him since 2009.
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Edited by:

Aakash Nair