Dwight Howard responds after Shaq's latest message to him: "I never had a problem with you"
Former Orlando Magic greats Dwight Howard and Shaquille O'Neal have been going back and forth with their petty beef for years. But as with Shaq's 'work beef' with Kobe Bryant, it looks like his conflict with Dwight may be coming to an end.
O'Neal recently appeared on Trae Young's 'From the Point' podcast to say that he's been hard on Howard because he loves and respects him. Howard then reposted a video clip of O'Neal's interview and captioned it with a heart. Later, Dwight then posted a message on X, saying he never had an issue with him.
"I never had a problem with you, so we can finally end this as adults 100," said Dwight. Shaq even commented 'Nope lol' to that post.
I won't let my little brother slide
O'Neal and Howard are two of the best ever to don the Orlando Magic uniform. Both also played for the Los Angeles Lakers, so they were often compared to each other in the past. But Shaq has always been harsh on Dwight, and Howard didn't like what Shaq was doing to him, so the two always went back and forth on social and mainstream media. Well, until now.
"I used to like Dwight. He did something I couldn't do. I wish I could jump that high. I love Dwight Howard. Other people don't know that this is my first time saying that. But as a big brother, I ain't gonna let my little brother slide. Cause I want you to be better than me. So a lot of people don't understand this thing of ours, they think it's just hate. No, I don't hate. I'm telling you how to get here…That's why I kind of have to lay off on him a little bit."
Howard is currently in Asia, playing for the Philippines-based Strong Group Athletics team along with former NBA players Andray Blatche and Andre Roberson. The team is competing in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Tournament, where they are undefeated after two games. Howard had 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals in under 20 minutes of action in their opener and had five points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks also in limited action.
We only criticize people we believe in
Shaq has been critical of many players in this era. Most recently, The Diesel went off on New Orleans Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson after he had a dismal performance during his team's In-Season Tournament semifinals loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. After that, Shaq said that he and Charles Barkley only criticize the players they believe in.
"I have G-14 classification," said Shaq. "I'm the president when it comes to dominant big men. There is no other. There was another, rest in peace, Mr. Wilt Chamberlain. When it comes to dominant big men, I am the authority. I am the go-to guy…That was me telling him 'If you do this, you can get to the next level. We only criticize the people that we like. We only criticize people that we believe in."
The Orlando Magic recently announced that it will be retiring Shaq's No. 32 jersey in a ceremony on February 13th in Orlando. The Dubai tilt will run only until January 28th, and Howard's plan after the tournament remains to be seen. But wouldn't it be fantastic to have Dwight come to Shaq's jersey retirement so they can finally settle their nonsense in person, too?
