Shaquille O’Neal’s Greatest Nicknames, Ranked

3 years ago
51.5K

Shaquille O'Neal is one of the best to ever do it. He accomplished more than most NBA players can dream of in his 19-year career with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics.

His trophy case includes four NBA titles, three NBA Finals MVPs, a regular-season MVP, two scoring championships, and multiple retired jerseys — not to mention his partnership with the late Kobe Bryant will go down as one of the greatest in league history.

The LSU grad had a hugely successful career on the floor. Off it, he's the king of nicknames.

From bestowing nicknames such as Paul "The Truth" Pierce, Dwyane "Flash" Wade, and Tim "Big Fundamental" Duncan to dawning several himself, Shaq has more talent for aliases than Jennifer Garner.

Let's explore Shaq's best monikers:

12. The Big Shamrock -- Shaq adopted "The Big Shamrock" during his short time in Boston.

11. The Big Witness Protection -- Shaq's motto in Cleveland: Protect LeBron James at all costs.

10. The Big Cactus -- The Big Shaqtus: The largest walking succulent in recorded history.

9. The Big Baryshnikov -- Nimble and light on his feet, the center took on this nickname in reference to one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time, Mikhail Baryshinikov.

8. Wilt Chamberneezy -- Shaq took on this moniker during his time in Los Angeles, paying homage to the great Wilt Chamberlain.

7. L.C.L. (Last Center Left) -- Shaq considered himself in a different class than his counterparts around the league such as Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets and Dikembe Mutombo. He was the last center left in a league that's increasingly abandoning the position in a traditional sense.

In 2016, ESPN ranked Shaq the fourth-best center of all time behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Chamberlain, and Bill Russell.

6. Shaq Fu -- Shaq Fu was a Super Nintendo System video game that was released in 1995.

The big man's here to kick ass and take a gazillion nicknames.

5. M.D.E. (Most Dominant Ever) -- At 7-foot-1 and 325 pounds, Shaq made a mockery of anyone who stood in his way.

4. Shaq Daddy -- The Hall of Famer is one of the biggest personalities in the business. He can laugh at himself and knows how to have a good time.

3. Superman -- Clark Kent and Shaq. What's the difference?

2. The Diesel -- O'Neal released the rap album Shaq Diesel in 1993. Featuring A Tribe Called Quest member Phife Dawg, the record went platinum.

The follow up, 1994's Shaq Fu: The Return, went gold.

1. The Big Aristotle -- Shaq became the greatest philosopher of our time after winning the 2000 MVP award.

No matter what he's called, Shaq is one of the most beloved figures in sports.

Loading comments...