Despite a profession that was blighted by accidents, inflicting him to overlook almost 200 video games within the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal, regarded by many as one of many biggest basketball gamers of all time, revealed he had only a few, if any, regrets about his taking part in profession.
When requested the query throughout a media interplay on the NBA’s pre-season tour of Abu Dhabi, the 50-year-old had a peculiar response. “If I had to pick one (regret)? I missed too many free throws. Nothing other than that, I did it my way.” In one other typical ‘Shaq’ response, when requested who was the hardest participant he ever confronted, the American mentioned: “Nobody,” with out breaking face.
O’Neal is among the most well-recognised names on this planet of basketball, and one of many largest points of interest for followers of the game within the UAE, the place the NBA has arrived for the very first time. In a two-match pre-season sequence, the Milwaukee Bucks will tackle the Atlanta Hawks in Abu Dhabi. The two groups are highlighted by their largest stars: former two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Bucks and Hawks’ thrilling younger level guard Trae Young.
O’Neal revealed what it meant for the NBA to proceed increasing to all elements of the world, and the gamers which have made it doable. “Great players like Giannis and Trae are the reason”, he mentioned. “For sure, I see that the young players like to play like them. The game is expanding now and that’s beautiful.”
He appealed to the followers to maintain up the “playoffs-like” environment for the upcoming two video games, earlier than explaining how particular the expertise goes to be for the hardcore trustworthy. “On your first time (addressing the Abu Dhabi crowd), you will be seeing fabulous players. Enjoy the experience of watching them live, it is different from anything else.”
The American was requested to weigh in on who’s the best participant of all time and was unequivocal in his response, naming Michael Jordan, the person who was accountable for a lot of the sport’s fandom outdoors of North America. His favorite participant to observe at present occurs to be reigning champions Golden State Warriors’ star level guard Steph Curry.
“We have some great shooters, and I have seen some great shooters play,” he mentioned. “But none like him, he’s phenomenal. A particular participant.
The author is in Abu Dhabi on the invitation of NBA India. Watch Milwaukee Bucks vs Atlanta Hawks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, October 6, on Sports 18 and Voot.
