Shaquille O’Neal’s stylists deserve a standing ovation because they might just have the hardest job in fashion! For the NBA Cup’s first semifinal, ‘The Big Aristotle’ made a statement in a striking suit that turned heads. Known for his love of luxury, one might assume O’Neal was rocking a Louis Vuitton or Versace masterpiece. But the basketball icon, despite his $500 million net worth, chose a more budget-friendly option—a rare custom suit with roots dating back to 2019.

O’Neal looked majestic at first glance, draped in golden hues. Upon closer inspection, his suit featured a black base adorned with golden patterns, creating a regal aesthetic. If the outfit feels familiar, there’s a good reason for it. The same design—albeit in a much smaller size—was worn by NBA player Cam Reddish on his draft day in 2019.

The suit hails from J.C. Penney’s JF Ferrar collection and includes a personalized liner. Back in 2019, Reddish shared his excitement about the collaboration, telling Hollywood Life, “I was excited to have the opportunity to partner with JCPenney to create a unique look on draft night that’s special to me. I worked with their stylist to fully customize my JF suit. My favorite part of the suit is my personalized liner because it represents what’s most important to me, and I can’t wait to share it on draft night.”

Reddish had opted for a flamboyant look back then, and while it’s unclear how much O’Neal’s version differs, the exterior appears nearly identical. Given his partnership with J.C. Penney, the Los Angeles Lakers legend likely didn’t deviate much. Though O’Neal rocked a 10/10 look for the NBA Cup, his on-court performance was less stellar as he lost $20,000 in a three-point challenge to Stephen A. Smith. Speaking of O’Neal intentionally or unintentionally recreating Reddish’s draft-day look, what did he wear on his own draft day?

Shaquille O’Neal’s draft day suit was too expensive!

Shaquille O’Neal’s journey into the world of high-profile fashion didn’t start with luxury brands or flashy endorsements—it began with humility and a kind gesture that left a lasting impact. When O’Neal was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick by the Orlando Magic, he needed a suit that would help him look the part. However, the suit he had his eye on carried a steep price tag of $1,500—well out of reach for his family at the time.

“I didn’t have $1,500 at the time,” O’Neal recalled in an interview with People. But what happened next was a moment of unexpected kindness. The store clerk at Rochester’s Big & Tall recognized O’Neal’s potential and decided to help. “The guy looked at me and said, ‘Shaq, you’re nice. You’re a gentleman. I know you’re going to do big things. Just pay me when you can.” That act of generosity stayed with O’Neal, shaping his perspective not only on fashion but also on the importance of giving back.

For O’Neal, the goal wasn’t about wearing the most stylish or intricate design—it was about representing his family with dignity and professionalism. “I wasn’t into the design. I just knew I had to represent my family, wear a nice, clean, professional business suit,” he shared. That suit, made possible by the store’s kind gesture, became part of O’Neal’s legacy.

The experience also planted the seeds for what would later become O’Neal’s own Big & Tall line with JCPenney. The Lakers legend has often spoken about his desire to create stylish, affordable options for individuals who, like him, might otherwise struggle to find well-fitting clothes.