Shaquille O’Neal might not be up there among the likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the GOAT stratosphere. However, when discussing the game’s most dominant figure, Shaq is one name that is more than likely to be brought up in the conversation.
Advertisement
Standing at 7-foot-1, weighing in the higher 300-pound for the majority of his career, the “Big Aristotle” is easily one of the most commanding players in NBA history. The Diesel even exploited this unreal size to his advantage on a daily basis. And nearly two decades in the league, the Hall-Of-Famer retired with one of the most illustrious resumes.
Apart from winning an MVP, 4 championships, 3 Finals MVPs, and 2 scoring titles, the Los Angeles Lakers legend made it to 15 All-Star selections, and 14 All-NBA teams, and was even selected to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Team.
Also Read: Shaquille O’Neal Is on the Board of Directors of $2.9 Billion Worth Pizza Chain on His Terms
“There is a hell of a chance that you could become more successful than me”: Shaquille O’Neal
There is no denying that Shaq had a successful NBA career. Apart from the long list of accolades in his trophy cabinet, the center even racked up $286 million as his salary.
Even after the conclusion of an illustrious career, O’Neal has been enjoying a pretty triumphant life. Being the intelligent businessman he is, the sports icon has a staggering net worth of $400 million.
$400 million is an exorbitant amount, however, O’Neal did have his share of struggles growing up. In an interview, Shaq shared his philosophy that would motivate people to be as successful or even more successful than him.
“I know you’re looking at me now and you see all the toys but before we get to the toys you gotta, you know you gotta start from somewhere. So, I’m from the same place you’re from. I used to eat, you know, I used to eat once a day also and I used to go Christmases where without getting any presents. So, I understand what you’re going through. However, this is the blueprint, I know it cause I wrote it. I’m a doctor, all you gotta do is study this and master this and it’s a hell of a chance that you could become as successful or more successful than me.”
Shaq’s life outside the NBA
We all know about the kind of life O’Neal had during his stint as an NBA player.
However, the Diesel is the kind of person who likes to expand his horizon.
Apart from being an analyst for TNT, the 50-year-old has an MBA and a doctorate degree. Further, the superstar owns 17 Auntie Anne’s pretzels restaurants, owned and sold 155 of the Five Guys restaurants, owns 9 Papa John’s locations, owns 40 24-Hour Fitness Centers, and owns 150 car washes, among a long list of other investments.
It’s no surprise that Shaq has been an inspiration for many around the world.
Also Read: Before dwarfing Lewis Hamilton on podium Shaquille O’Neal lifted ex F1 driver as a trophy
