In a candid 1993 Rolling Stone interview, a young Shaquille O’Neal spoke extensively about his relationship with the legendary Michael Jordan. This excerpt reveals a wide range of emotions displayed by Shaq upon learning about Jordan’s retirement, to the extent that he already knew he would tell his future children about the opportunity to play against MJ.
Advertisement
O’Neal and Jordan had a complicated relationship. They were rivals on the court, but they also had mutual respect for each other. But more than that they were hardened warriors on the court. Shaq relished the opportunity to tell his kids about playing with Michael.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Rookie Season and Bond with Michael Jordan
Shaquille O’Neal’s rookie season in the NBA was nothing short of remarkable. The towering center quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with and went on to win the Rookie of the Year award. It was during this formative period that Shaq formed a unique bond with Michael Jordan, a bond that would later shape his perspective on the game and his own career.
When news of Jordan’s retirement reached Shaq, he was sent into a whirlwind of emotions. His admiration and respect for MJ were evident, and he already envisioned sharing this experience with his future children. It’s worth noting that at the time of this interview, Shaq’s eldest child, Taahirah, had not yet been born. Despite this, he expressed a heartfelt sentiment that encapsulated the impact Jordan had on the basketball world.
“Michael was special. I’m just happy that I can tell my children, if I have them, that their daddy had the opportunity to play one season against the great Michael Jordan.“
MJ’s Return and Their On-Court Rivalry
Michael Jordan’s return to the NBA after a brief retirement marked a pivotal moment in basketball history. During this period, Shaquille O’Neal found himself at the center of a unique on-court rivalry with MJ. As their teams faced each other in several memorable matchups, Shaq and Jordan built a mutual respect for each other’s skills and competitive spirit.
It is noteworthy that Shaq holds the distinction of being the last player to defeat Michael Jordan in the playoffs. His Orlando Magic beat the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 1995. Their head-to-head record is a testament to the intensity and skill displayed by both players during their encounters.
Shaq and Jordan faced each other 20 times in their careers. Jordan won 11 of those games, but Shaq did have one playoff series win over Jordan. In addition to the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals, Shaq also beat Jordan in a regular season game in 1993.
Beyond the competition, however, Shaq and MJ developed a genuine relationship off the court, one characterized by camaraderie and shared experiences as two prominent figures in the basketball world.
