Shaquille O'Neal joins JJ and Tommy to discuss calling out players like Dwight Howard, balancing playfulness and killer mentality, dealing with the end of his career, not belonging in the GOAT conversation, the respect he and Kobe Bryant had, and his favorite NBA players to play with. Sue Bird joins for a movie monologue draft.
Shaq emphasizes the importance of maintaining a killer mentality balanced with playfulness in NBA career.
Teammates crucial for Shaq's success, highlighting key players' contributions in championships.
Shaq reflects on partnership with Kobe, highlighting the importance of respect and teamwork for success.
Sue Bird joins for a movie monologue draft, showcasing inspirational speeches from iconic films.
Deep dives
Shaq's Dominance in NBA and the Importance of Teammates
Shaq reflects on his peak dominance in the NBA, citing the season he almost achieved a unanimous MVP, showcasing his unstoppable performance. He credits his teammates for supporting him, acknowledging their crucial role in his success, such as clutch performances by B. Shaw, Robert Orie, and Rick Fox in key moments.
Perspective on Batman-Robin Dynamic in NBA Teams
Shaq shares an analogy from 'Batman Begins' to discuss the camaraderie in NBA teams beyond the alpha-beta narrative. He emphasizes the role of role players or 'Alfreds' in supporting the main star and achieving collective success, highlighting the contributions of unsung heroes in basketball history.
Acknowledging the Value of Supportive Teammates
Shaq acknowledges the crucial role of his teammates in his success, listing key players like Big Shot Bob, Derek Fisher, and others who contributed to his championships. He stresses the importance of teammates in elevating individual performances and achieving championship glory.
Learning to Share Control and Support in Basketball Partnerships
Reflecting on his partnership with Kobe Bryant, Shaq discusses learning to cede control, highlighting the balance in their dynamic. He notes the importance of respect and teamwork in fostering successful collaborations, indicating a mutual understanding between star players to optimize their collective performance.
A Few Good Men's Colonel Jessup Monologue
In A Few Good Men, Colonel Jessup delivers a powerful monologue emphasizing the importance of following orders and defending his actions. He underscores the necessity of maintaining military discipline and the consequences of not obeying commands.
Al Pacino's Speech in Any Given Sunday
Al Pacino's motivational speech in Any Given Sunday resonates across sports and life, inspiring dedication, perseverance, and the willingness to push beyond one's limits to achieve victory. His words embody the essence of leadership and the relentless pursuit of success.
Liam Neeson's Monologue in Taken
Liam Neeson's iconic monologue in Taken conveys a blunt and determined message of strength and determination in the face of adversity. His character's unwavering resolve to protect his daughter showcases a mix of skills, fearlessness, and a stark warning to those who threaten his loved ones.
The week on The Old Man and the Three we welcome the one and only Shaq. To start, JJ and Tommy preview the second round matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets. Then JJ and Shaq discuss so much, including why Shaq calls out current NBA players like Dwight Howard, and how players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain treated him similarly. He also explains his balance of playfulness and killer mentality as a player, when he understood that he needed to put on a show, his approach to the Finals, and how he looked for slights as motivation. Shaq also reflects about the end of his career when he realized he wasn’t the same type of dominant player, and the grieving process that came with that. He also explains why he doesn’t think he belongs in the GOAT conversation, the burden of free throws, the metal respect that him and Kobe Bryant had for each other on the Lakers, and what he took away from that relationship into playing with Dwyane Wade. Finally, he breaks down the games of his idols in the 90s and current NBA players he’d pick to play with. Then, Sue Bird joins JJ and Tommy for a draft of movie monologues.
