The NBA draft was the topic of loads of controversy and conspiracies recently when the Dallas Mavericks nabbed the No. 1 decide regardless of some very low odds.
That began the rumor mill, which acknowledged the league was rewarding the Mavericks after the crew misplaced Luka Doncic earlier this season in an enormous commerce to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Shaquille O’Neal threw gas on the fireplace of that conspiracy with a current assertion.
Talking to Ashley Nevel about his expertise within the 1992 draft, O’Neal talked about a remark from NBA commissioner David Stern.
Stern allegedly requested O’Neal concerning the ideally suited temperature he wished to play in.
“‘You need to play the place it’s chilly or the place it’s scorching?’ I stated scorching… Orlando, Florida, primary [pick],” O’Neal stated, by way of NBACentral.
Shaq says David Stern despatched him to Orlando
“‘You need to play the place it’s chilly or the place it’s scorching?’
I stated scorching… Orlando, Florida, primary [pick].”
(Through @AshleyNevel, h/t @CourtsideBuzzX / @Fullcourtpass )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) Could 19, 2025
On the time, O’Neal was the clear favourite for the No. 1 decide within the draft.
Individuals thought that he had the kind of abilities that might fairly actually change any crew and the league ceaselessly.
Everybody wished O’Neal, and the NBA knew he might be an enormous star for years to return.
O’Neal is suggesting that Stern thought-about his reply about the place he wished to play after which altered the draft order.
The Orlando Magic received the primary decide, and the remainder is historical past.
O’Neal was capable of play in a heat local weather, and, extra importantly, he actually did assist that crew after which turned an enormous determine in skilled sports activities.
Lots of people really feel the league tweaks the draft order to assist gamers and likewise enhance rankings.
This newest assertion from O’Neal will result in extra followers pondering that’s true.
