Despite facing numerous career setbacks due to injuries, missing nearly 200 NBA games, Shaquille O’Neal, widely recognized as one of the greatest basketball players in history, expressed minimal regrets about his playing career. Speaking at a media event during the NBA’s pre-season tour in Abu Dhabi, the 50-year-old had a distinctive response, stating, “If I had to pick one regret? I missed too many free throws. Nothing other than that, I did it my way.” In classic ‘Shaq’ fashion, when asked about the toughest player he ever faced, O’Neal responded with a deadpan “Nobody.”
O’Neal, a basketball icon, is a prominent figure in the sport, drawing significant attention from fans in the UAE, where the NBA is making its inaugural appearance. The pre-season series features the Milwaukee Bucks facing the Atlanta Hawks in Abu Dhabi, with star players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Trae Young headlining their respective teams.
Discussing the global expansion of the NBA, O’Neal emphasized the role of exceptional players like Giannis and Trae, noting that young players are inspired to emulate their style of play. He encouraged fans to create a “playoffs-like” atmosphere for the upcoming games and highlighted the significance of witnessing fabulous players live for the first time.
When asked about the greatest player of all time, O’Neal unequivocally named Michael Jordan, who significantly contributed to expanding the game’s popularity beyond North America. His current favorite player to watch is Steph Curry, the star point guard for the Golden State Warriors, whom he described as a phenomenal and special player, particularly in terms of shooting prowess.