Shaquille O'Neal: NBA Finals pick, SGA, OKC, Indiana, TNT's farewell to Inside the NBA, how he really feels about Charles Barkley, Netflix documentary, Reebok, Allen Iverson, turning envy into motivation & one thing he's chasing before retirement

Jun 3, 2025

Shaquille O'Neal, the legendary former NBA superstar and sports analyst, shares heartfelt stories and candid reflections. He discusses his emotional farewell from TNT's Inside the NBA and navigates the complexities of grief and loss, particularly regarding Kobe Bryant. Shaq emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and personal growth, the evolution of NBA dynamics, and his ambition to inspire the next generation. With humor, he lightens the mood by exploring the impact of social media on basketball and his legacy in both sports and music.

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ANECDOTE

Shaq's Rare Emotional Moments

Shaquille O'Neal shares that he rarely shows emotion because he was raised by a strict father who discouraged emotional displays.
He cried only during deaths of close family members and explains his tears often come from holding emotions in.

ADVICE

Selective Listening to Criticism

Shaq advises to avoid reading negative comments unless it's constructive criticism from a credible source.
Focus only on valid feedback from peers or those who have achieved a high level in your field.

INSIGHT

NBA Star Confidence Gap

Shaq says today's NBA lacks a definitive, confident star openly claiming the top spot like in his era.
He identifies Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the player currently "taking it" and owning the league.

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"If they ain't hating on you, then you aren't doing something right." Shaquille O'Neal

One of our favorite people and top Pivot Podcast guest returns as we welcome a man who needs no introduction, our friend, the one and only Shaquille O'Neal. Sitting with Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor- Shaq jumps right into the chaos and fun of the world we know, the dynamic of life after sports, shares some inside stories, offers his thoughts on current NBA, the mindset shift it took to build a business empire, give back to communities, and discover his true purpose.

From the end of TNT's Inside the NBA show to his relationship with Charles Barkley, Shaq says how he avoids emotions around changes he can't control and admits the two occasions he cried, losing his sister to cancer and losing his brother Kobe Bryant. He expounds on questions surrounding his relationship with Kobe and how he regrets not reaching out sooner as he explains the tough lesson in the reality that once someone is gone, they are gone forever with no redos or second chances.

Shaq continues telling Ryan, Channing and Fred that we have to approach life with open hearts to always forgive and be the bigger person even when it's most difficult. He reveals what's been the glue to his bond with Barkley over the years and the why that we never knew existed.

The icon's larger than life personality comes through as the guys talk about what really happens after the final buzzer sounds as Shaq keeps it real speaking on his era of players vs now, breaks down the NBA finals between Oklahoma City and Indiana, dismisses the small market vs large market not making entertaining basketball, weighs in on the true GOAT conversation, and who he sees as the current player who wears the crown as the league's face, and best ways of navigating identity outside of the NBA.

From owning businesses to being a father and mentor, Shaq reveals what keeps motivating him to keep making big moves, and it's not just money...this conversation is full of laughs, locker room talk and true fellowship as we really cover so many aspects of life and do it in a pivotal way where you are laughing one moment and in deep thought the next.

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