They got Dwight Howard and Lance Stephenson this season. But for the creators of the BIG3, Ice Cube and his son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., the ambition to encourage more NBA superstars to make the switch to 3vs3 basketball is insatiable. The league’s very foundation rests on giving fans a chance to see their favorite players, even after their traditional NBA careers end, continuing to showcase their skills in a competitive, fast-paced format. This “ambition” isn’t just about star power; it’s about validating the league’s unique appeal and demonstrating that serious basketball talent thrives here. So far, they’ve consistently attracted players who aren’t too far removed from the NBA game, like Michael Beasley, Jamal Crawford, and even Carmelo Anthony, who’s been a target. These are players who still have plenty of gas in the tank and can clearly compete at a high level. But this time, O’Shea Jackson Jr. and his father are setting their sights even higher – eyeing someone who’s been away from the NBA for almost two decades.

O’Shea Jackson Jr. was at the latest BIG3 week as usual, soaking in the action and connecting with the fans. And when a sideline reporter caught up with him, he didn’t hold back, issuing direct invitations to certain retired NBA legends.

“I need you to give me one season, Jamal Craword. I need you to come on. Lou Williams, I need you to come on. Y’all stop playing, man. Y’all know y’all can get out here. Shaq, I just need one, baby,” Ice Cube’s son said, directly addressing the camera.

Jamal Crawford is positively considering the BIG3, but Lou Williams firmly rejected Ice Cube’s offer months ago. But Shaquille O’Neal? As scary as it is imagining prime ‘Big Diesel’ in a 3vs3 setting, the big guy retired in 2011 after a few injury-prone seasons. He’s had hip surgery recently and is working out. He even flexed his workouts with his youngest son, Shaqir.

Shaquille O’Neal, however, hasn’t played or coached in eons. He’s averse to coaching, so he likely won’t pull a Dr. J and coach in the BIG3. The most we see is his few comedic shots on the TNT set if Charles Barkley provokes him enough. Even for one season, it’s a bit extreme of an ask. However, Ice Cube and his son’s offers aren’t getting that kind of response from NBA vets.

Shaquille O’Neal & more silent on the BIG3

First, Caitlin Clark turned down Ice Cube’s $5 million offer. When Lou Williams heard the hip-hop mogul offered him less than what he had on the table for the WNBA star, he turned it down. Rumor has it that Jamal Crawford is working for a 2026 BIG3 debut, though.

Cube wanted Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony, too. However, the latter have not responded, and Dwight’s playing his final season of pro-ball in the BIG3 right now. So far, Michael Beasley is the top-billed star of this league as the reigning MVP and beating others 1vs1.

While Beasley is doling out challenges to other NBA vets, he hasn’t gone after Shaq, his once-teammate in Phoenix. (Maybe because he didn’t have a great experience with the big man.) According to Beasley himself, during his second year in the league, he tried to introduce himself to Shaq at the All-Star game but was “brushed off,” an experience that deeply affected him. It’s a clear personal history that adds an interesting layer to this potential, albeit currently unissued, challenge. Perhaps it’s because of this past slight, or simply respect, that Beasley hasn’t thrown down the gauntlet himself. Beasley might be the only one not campaigning to have O’Neal in the BIG3.

Jackson Jr.’s dad himself made the offer directly to Shaq. Mario Chalmers was on The Big Podcast last year when he told O’Neal, “Yeah, easily. I got the perfect spot for you, too. Come over there with me and Mike Beasley. You ain’t gotta do nothing, but stay in the paint.”

O’Neal, however, cited his hip surgery as an obstacle. In response, Cube was on X.com declaring, “We got the contract ready for you, big fella. You got three months to get Diesel. You can eat all day in @thebig3 @SHAQ.”

Despite their friendship since the days O’Neal was a platinum-selling rapper, the giant has not responded to the multiple invites to come out of retirement. And it likely won’t happen anytime soon.