It seems that Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard are finally putting their long-standing feud behind them. Following Howard’s recent induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, O’Neal expressed his support in a heartfelt way. On his podcast, “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” he referred to Howard as “my guy” and announced his intention to walk him into the Hall of Fame ceremony.
This moment marks a significant shift in their relationship, especially considering their history. Howard, now 39, recently asked O’Neal and other legendary big men to escort him during his induction. He expressed gratitude on social media, saying it would be an honor to have O’Neal, Kevin Garnett, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar by his side.
O’Neal responded positively, saying, “I’ll do it, I’ll be there.” This exchange follows a period of tension between the two, which had escalated just months prior. In January, Howard hinted at a possible physical confrontation during an interview, revealing his frustrations about their ongoing conflict.
The roots of their rivalry date back to when both players were active in the NBA. O’Neal had previously criticized Howard for adopting the "Superman" nickname, which Shaq had made famous during his prime. O’Neal felt that Howard had not lived up to the name’s legacy, leading to years of back-and-forth comments.
Howard, who left the NBA to play overseas in 2022, reflected on the situation, stating that he never intended to disrespect O’Neal. He mentioned feeling upset at times and suggested that their feud had gone too far. He questioned whether they should resolve their differences physically, highlighting the tension that had built up over the years.
Despite their rocky past, this recent development indicates a potential reconciliation. Howard, in a recent interview, clarified that he never wanted to be O’Neal but admired him as a player. He noted that he looks up to several basketball legends and takes inspiration from them.
As the Hall of Fame ceremony approaches, fans are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds for both players. The event could serve as a powerful moment of unity, showcasing the growth and change in their relationship after years of rivalry.