Phil Jackson observed some striking similarities between Shaquille O'Neal and Magic Johnson. According to "The Zen Master," the two shared a unique blend of showmanship and basketball excellence despite their different playing styles.
Johnson mesmerized NBA fans with his flashy passes and court vision. Beyond his skills, Magic's infectious smile and magnetic personality made him a beloved figure both on and off the court. For Jackson, O'Neal existed in a different era but also had that undeniable charisma.
"I don't think there's been a more humorous and entertaining person in the game since you. You know, you were like 'Mr. Basketball' because your personality for many years and then I think Shaq kind of just gravitated into that thing. He's entertaining, he's fun and basketball still, you know, he still play basketball," Jackson told Johnson in an exclusive interview for Sports Center in 2010.
Shaq's role as a player and celebrity status
While O'Neal was undeniably talented on the court like Magic , Jackson noticed an undeniable shift in the big man's focus towards the glitz and glamor of his celebrity status rather than honing his skills as a player.
Johnson was quite similar during his time. In fact, the partying even took a huge toll on Magic's body and he was later diagnosed with HIV. Though Shaq's case was different, Jackson still wanted "Diesel" not to commit the same mistake by wallowing in the perks of his popularity.
As one of the greatest coaches and mentors in the game, Phil understood the importance of staying grounded and dedicated to the sport. He knew that for O'Neal to reach his full potential, prolong his dominance and help the Los Angeles Lakers win a championship, he needed to prioritize his commitment to playing basketball over the allure of fame and fortune.
"He's like, 'Listen, you're doing good but no more rapping, no more videos, no more movies. I need you to concentrate.' I'm like, 'Wow! I make a lot of money doin' that why would I stop doing that?' He said, 'If you listen to me, you can get an MVP this year and we can win a championship.' [I'm like] 'Look aah, Imma give it a shot'. And it actually kind of worked," O'Neal said .
Shaq and Magic were generational athletes
O'Neal and Johnson were two completely different players but Jackson's keen eyes spotted their uncanny similarities off the court. Looking back, "The Zen Master" was on point with his comparison as both Shaq and Magic had the ability to connect with fans on a deeper level.
Moreover, their impact on the game both extends beyond individual recognitions and championships as it lies in their ability to entertain, inspire, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. In conclusion, O'Neal and Magic serve as living proof that NBA players can enjoy their fame but they have to stay focused on their craft.
Related: Phil Jackson on race differences he saw in players' approach to the game: "White players are more often willing to work collectively"
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