Shaquille O’Neal epitomized a celebrity-athlete, becoming one of the most well known figures for his dominant play in the paint, as well as his charismatic personality off it. O’Neal announced his retirement on Wednesday, and several of the Mavs reflected back on one of the most memorable NBA careers.
“He’s one of the all-time greats, not only on the court but off the court,” Dirk Nowitzki said. “Getting to know him through the years, being in the same locker room at All-Star games, he’s one of the funniest characters in the league. We’re going to miss him.”
Added center Tyson Chandler: “Shaq has done a lot for this league, and made this league better. He was one of the great ones and he’s had an extraordinary career.”
Mavs forward Shawn Marion also spoke about O’Neal, and pointed to the similarities between himself and O’Neal for their enjoy-the-moment attitudes.
“We enjoy life,” Marion said. “You only live once, and you want to enjoy it.”
-- Drew Davison
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