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Ice Cube Imposes 3-Month Deadline on Shaquille O’Neal, Lures With Tempting Contract

Published 03/18/2024, 8:53 AM EDT

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Rapper and businessman Ice Cube recently addressed retired NBA player Shaquille O’Neal on Twitter in an unexpected move that shocked the sports community. O’Shea Jackson Sr. hinted at a possible partnership with O’Neal by posting an enigmatic note with a video clip and an attractive contract with a three-month deadline. Now, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history is at a crossroads, thinking about making a possible comeback to the court in a new and unfamiliar environment, in response to Ice Cube’s attractive offer to join the rapper’s BIG3 league.

O’Neal’s entrance into the Big3 league, as a multiple All-Star and former NBA champion, would undoubtedly boost its standing and garner a lot of curiosity from supporters and the media. During an episode of the ‘Big Podcast’ Shaq asked his co-hosts if he could hoop in the BIG3 at his age. Most of the stars there are older than NBA players but not quite as old as 52-year-old Shaquille O’Neal. Seeing the clip, Ice Cube decided to shoot his shot at the 4x NBA champion.

The X handle of “Ice Cube”, wrote, “We got the contract ready for you big fella. You got 3 months to get Diesal. You can eat all day in @thebig3 @SHAQ”. The tweet reposted a video from ClutchPoints penned, “Is Shaq prepping us for a Big 3 appearance ? 
 (via @bigpodwithshaq)”.

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It’s been 13 years since Shaq retired from the NBA. The BIG3 league wasn’t even founded when Big Diesel hung up his boots. So you can see why fans would be excited to see Superman put his cape back on.

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What does Shaquille O’Neal think about a return to the hardwood?

To be fair, Shaq is in the best shape of his post-retirement life. After struggling with his weight for a few years, O’Neal has cut down a lot of weight to prioritize his health. Though there are clear dividends, his medical history is also a major factor in the decision.

I thought about it, like I just had hip surgery, and I ain’t played since… I don’t think I can get back in that mood,” expressed the 2000 NBA MVP during his ‘Big Podcast’. 2x NBA champion Mario Chalmers was a featured guest and he had the right information to convince Big Aristotle. “It’s just half court and we switch everything,” responded the captain of BIG3 team, ‘3’s Company’.

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This certainly piqued Shaq’s curiosity as a half court game would put less strain on his body. “Oh. You do?” he asked curiously at the end. But O’Neal’s co-host Adam Lefkoe might have read his mind as he announced, ‘”Barbeque chicken’ alert.” The fans, and Ice Cube, certainly hope so.

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Written by:

Arya Patil

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Arya is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. She skillfully combines her academic acumen with a passion for the game that she developed over years of watching the ups and downs of the NBA. Arya is a seasoned journalist who provides fans with a detailed look at the league's inner workings.
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Edited by:

Aakash Nair