Shaquille O’Neal became the newest superstar after the 1992 NBA Draft when the Orlando Magic selected him. Everyone within the NBA community knew this 7’1” behemoth was ready for great things due to his success at LSU and his NBA-ready status.
The Diesel delivered as he dominated the league almost immediately. However, his sudden ascent might have led to him facing multiple issues befitting of a superstar. That quick ascent could be jarring to any young player, leading to Michael Jordan giving the young O’Neal some valuable advice .
“When you’re dealing with success, there are always higher expectations from year to year. But I think what’s very important for Shaquille is to set his own expectations and live up to those,” Jordan said in a documentary about Shaq. “Because if he lives up to his own expectations, he’s gonna surpass the expectations that people may have for him.”
Shaq took the superstar baton and ran with it
Shaq took that advice and became one of the most natural superstars in basketball. He was a fantastic player who knew he could be the best player in the league. O’Neal had the strength, speed, and skill to become the most unstoppable NBA player.
Aside from his on-court production, The Big Aristotle also had a personality that made him attractive off the court. He was a household name after he got drafted because he always had fun interacting with the media. He loved to crack jokes with the interviewers, and Shaq always put on a show with practical jokes and an upbeat demeanor.
It was a genuine transition because he took to the spotlight naturally. He did not have many issues playing as the star man in Orlando because Shaq knew he could dominate any matchup he played against. Shaq had a tougher time playing against other elite centers like Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon , but going toe-to-toe with them as a young player showed Shaq’s star power.
Shaq lived up to his expectations throughout his career
After leading the Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995, Shaq moved on by signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. He would finally meet his expectations in LA because he won three championships from 2000 to 2002 while winning all three Finals MVPs.
Shaq even won the regular season MVP for the 1999/00 season. He cemented himself as the best and most dominant player in the league during that time, as no one could stop him from scoring. O’Neal would ask for the ball in the post, do a drop step, and dunk the ball. Everyone knew what he would do, but he was too powerful to stop, making him the best player on the best team.
Shaq would continue playing for a decade after that, as he retired playing for plenty of teams. However, he had four championships and a limitless catalog of awards. Jordan’s advice paid off because Shaq met his expectations and became one of the best in NBA history.
Related: "I don't know what God looks like; it's like seeing God" - Shaquille O'Neal on facing off against Michael Jordan for the first time
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