Dominance comes in many shapes and forms. But, for Shaquille O’Neal, the name of the game was simple: raw brutality. That is why bulldozing through the lane and monstrous dunks from the posts were the norm for him. The moniker, the most dominant player in NBA history, became famous because of his propensity for posterizing the league’s best. However, there was a rather unique way of measuring just how ferocious the Los Angeles Lakers legend was.

The legendary Kevin Harlan would pose the question when looking at a video package of the number of times O’Neal caused the game to pause due to destroying the rim and/or the basket as a whole. “How many have you destroyed…Let’s go high school and beyond.” The answer, and you might want to take a seat for this one: “Twenty-seven.”  

When Harlan couldn’t believe the number, the 4x NBA Champion had to confirm it, claiming that he even got banned from a gym in San Antonio because of the frequency of his rim-breaking ways.

Kevin would confirm with Shaq’s former teammate and ‘best friend’, Dennis Scott. After confirmation about the same, the legend still couldn’t fully comprehend the number. With both Orlando Magic legends in the booth for a post-game jersey retirement for the 2000 NBA MVP, the occasion promised to deliver a few surprises.

Watch This Story: Shaquille O’Neal’s Glaring Error In Rare Talent Flex Immediately Exposed By Angel Reese

But, there is another way that the big man could prove that his tally is accurate. After all, he does have a rather unique memorabilia of those occasions.

The tree that Shaquille O’Neal built by force

In case Kevin Harlan is still wondering, the big man did something truly unique with the slew of rims he broke in his career. A tradition that began well before he made it to the league would continue when he came on an NBA floor as a rookie, eventually forcing the league into a rule change.

But, for his already monstrous collection, the 350+ pounder had a rather unique idea. Using all the backboards he shattered in his NBA career, O’Neal would build a tree calling it, rather eloquently, “Shaq’s Broken Rim Tree.” 

Trending

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Lakers Advised To Terminate LeBron James’ $99 Million Contract, a Move That Could Save His Legacy

April 28, 2024 06:14 AM EDT

“It Will Ruin the Game”: Citing Caitlin Clark’s Example, Geno Auriemma Warns WNBA

April 27, 2024 03:31 PM EDT

Gilbert Arenas Saved $400K with Fake Diamond Ring for the Mother of His Children

April 28, 2024 01:12 PM EDT

Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer

March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The orange-colored monstrosity was truly a sight to behold. Not because of its spectacle, but the sheer destruction it promised. Despite the multitude of accolades, which might be too many to count, Diesel’s legacy was built brick-by-brick, or rim-by-rim in his case, through his dominance.

“Forced It”: Shaquille O’Neal Makes Stunning Revelation About Lakers Honor Moments Before Orlando Jersey Retirement 

So, on a night honoring his greatness and contribution to the Orlando Magic franchise, it makes sense that that same dominance became a major point of conversation.