Having been outed by Shaquille O’Neal over Aline Bernardes, Kenny Smith snubs his friend for Hakeem Olajuwon

Shaquille O’Neal is perhaps the most dominant center the NBA has ever seen. But, he isn’t the only one to have wowed fans in the league’s 76-year history. In fact, after recent events after recent events surrounding supermodel Aline Bernandes, Shaq’s Inside the NBA co-star, Kenny Smith revealed he would pick playing with Hakeem Olajuwon over his good friend.

Over the course of his 10-year career in the NBA, The Jet has played for many teams. The Kings, the Hawks, the Pistons, and the Nuggets. But, perhaps his most successful spell came with the Houston Rockets. Where he played Hakeem Olajuwon.

That was 27 years ago though. Now, he works with another Hall of Famer in Big Diesel. But, when asked to choose who he would rather play with, he chose the Dream. His reason was that he could shine alongside Olajuwon. But, there might be a bit more to that answer than meets the eye.

Kenny Smith would choose to play with Hakeem Olajuwon over Shaquille O’Neal

Kenny “The Jet” Smith played for the Houston Rockets for four seasons. In that time, he won two NBA Championships, all thanks to one of the greatest centers of all time, Hakeem Olajuwon.

The Dream is considered by many to be one of the most skilled big men in league history. And, in 1994, he and Kenny won their first ring against a man the latter now works with, Shaquille O’Neal.

The series was a sweep, as O’Neal’s Magic fell at the hands of The Dream. But, in later years Shaq found his own form of success and rose in stature. But, when asked on the Dan Patrick Show who he would rather play with, Smith was hesitant. After all, these were two legends of the game. However, at the end of the day, Hakeem was his choice.

“I don’t know if it’s better but, what would benefit me would be Hakeem. Like because of the style of play he had in the league. It allowed me to still flourish and do things that I do. I think Shaq is so dominant, at times, your role just keeps decreasing. So, for me it’s just better playing with Hakeem.”

A valid reason, but is not wanting a diminished role really the only thing? It might be the case. But, Shaq and the Inside the NBA crew’s decision to mock Kenny for his trip to Miami with Aline Bernandes could be an underlying factor.

Charles Barkley, Shaq, and the rest of the Inside the NBA crew roasted Kenny Smith for his Miami pics

Kenny Smith may say he chose Hakeem over Shaq because he didn’t want a diminished role, but the recent roast on Inside the NBA may be another reason. Big Diesel, Charles Barkley, and the rest of the crew couldn’t help but poke fun at The Jet for his trip to Miami. And, not because of his swimsuit pics, but because of who he was there with. Brazilian supermodel, Aline Bernandes.

The Inside the NBA crew calls out Kenny Smith over his Miami pictures this weekend 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/JNP78EgGnA

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 8, 2023

Unsurprisingly, Smith was quick to sweep things under the rug. In fact, that trip to Miami may have been his last one there, given all the joshing he’s been getting.