In a heartwarming turn of events, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has agreed to walk Dwight Howard out during his Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, putting an end to years of public tension between the two big men. The announcement, made on O’Neal’s podcast, The Big Podcast with Shaq, has sent ripples of excitement through the basketball community, with fans and analysts alike praising the gesture as a powerful symbol of reconciliation.
“That’s awesome. I’ll do it… I’ll be there… That’s my guy,” O’Neal said with a smile, responding to Howard’s request to have the four-time NBA champion by his side for the prestigious moment. The ceremony, set to take place later this year in Springfield, Massachusetts, will honor Howard’s remarkable career, which includes eight All-Star selections, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
The decision comes as a surprise to many, given the rocky history between the two centers. For years, O’Neal and Howard traded barbs, with O’Neal often questioning Howard’s work ethic and dominance, while Howard countered by asserting his own unique style of play. The feud, which began when Howard entered the league as a young phenom with the Orlando Magic, seemed to peak when O’Neal criticized Howard’s use of the “Superman” nickname—a moniker O’Neal claimed as his own during his prime.
As recently as January, the idea of the two sharing a stage seemed unthinkable. Yet, in recent months, both have expressed a desire to move forward. Howard, now 39, has spoken openly about his respect for O’Neal’s contributions to the game, while O’Neal has acknowledged Howard’s undeniable impact on and off the court.
The gesture has been met with widespread approval. “Just seen Shaq agreed to walk Dwight out for his HOF. That’s very mature of them both. Good for the game,” one fan posted on social media. Another called it “a class act,” noting that it shows how time and perspective can heal old wounds.
For Howard, the induction represents the culmination of a 19-year career marked by athletic brilliance and resilience. Drafted first overall in 2004, he quickly became one of the league’s most dominant forces, leading the Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009. Despite facing criticism for his demeanor and later struggles with injuries, Howard reinvented himself as a valuable role player, earning his first championship ring alongside LeBron James.
O’Neal, a Hall of Famer himself since 2016, knows the weight of the moment. “Dwight deserves this,” O’Neal said on his podcast. “He put in the work, and I’m honored to be part of it.”