Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most recognizable faces in the NBA today. Known for his kindhearted nature and humorous tendencies, the giant is a beloved character. Inching ever closer to billionaire status, the center is a proud owner of multiple businesses. With an estimated net worth of $400 million, the giant’s bank account is as big as his size. Standing at 7’1 and weighing over 325 pounds, Shaq was literally the most dominant player to have ever lived.

This was the case until 2002, as the 4x champion finally met his match in China’s Yao Ming. The 7’6 star was a freak of nature as he towered over Shaq during their first match-up. Drafted as the first overall pick by the Houston Rockets, Yao went on to dominate the NBA, much like Big Aristotle. The now-TV analyst once confessed his troubles with China as he shared a funny mid-game tale about Yao Ming and himself.

Shaquille O’Neal recalls an uncomfortable mid-game moment with Chinese star

Part of the same Hall of Fame class, both Yao and Shaq were destined to be rivals. Locking horns on multiple occasions, the Chinese international always idolized the Lakers legend; but ended up competing with him for many years. Recalling one such match-up during Yao’s HOF induction, the 3x finals MVP revealed that the Chinese superstar had “tricked” him for 3 years.

Speaking about it in detail, Shaq stated, “He tricked me. Three years I never spoke to Yao, because I thought there was a language barrier there.” Continuing to explain, the LA Lakers legend revealed that Yao once hit him with a nasty fade away. Astounded by the move, Shaq remembers complementing the Rockets icon to which he responded, “Thanks, my brother.”

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Appalled by the Chinese international’s response, O’Neal questioned the fellow giant, “Whoa you speak English?” To which Yao ended the uncomfortable mid-game moment by saying, “Shaq, you have never talked to me. Of course, I speak English.”

Shaq and his troubles with China 13 years prior the mid-game moment story

Before Shaquille O’Neal and Yao Ming became close friends, Shaq once slandered the 8x all-star enraged China and the Asian community alike. During an appearance on a cable television program, DJ Diesel was seen mocking the Chinese language, as he stated. “Tell Yao Ming, ‘Ching-chong-yang-wah-ah-soh“.

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Clearly childish on Shaq’s behalf, Asian publications lamented the NBA star. But he swiftly apologized to Yao and the Asian community thereafter. Reacting to the 4x champions’ comments, the taunt did not disturb Ming as he understood it was meant to be a joke. Speaking of it later, he stated, “I believe Shaquille O’Neal was joking with what he said. But I think a lot of Asian people don’t understand this kind of joke.”

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