The long and often rocky relationship between Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard has taken yet another twist but this time, it’s a positive one. Despite earlier reports that Shaq would not be involved in Howard’s 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the Big Diesel confirmed in a recent interview with Rachel Nichols at a BIG3 game that he will in fact be on stage when Howard is enshrined in Springfield.
While watching Howard play in the BIG3, O’Neal opened up about how his often-criticized treatment of Howard over the years was never about animosity, but rather about motivation.
“We finally had a heart-to-heart, you know. The same thing I did with him, the same thing I did with Kobe, D-Wade, Penny Hardaway. It’s how I motivate young players to become great. I treat them like I don’t like them, and I try to get them upset.”
“Because I know guys like Dwight and Penny, and Kobe especially, and D-Wade, when you upset them, they play at a higher level. But we hashed it out. He thought I genuinely disliked him. I told him, no, that’s not the case.”
“As a leader, sometimes you have to find different ways to motivate youngsters. And that’s all I did. He’ll be at the Hall of Fame in a couple of weeks… I will be there.”
For years, Howard believed Shaq’s constant criticism from mocking his post moves to downplaying his “Superman” nickname, was rooted in dislike. Shaq clarified that it was never personal. Instead, it was part of his “tough love” leadership style that he had also used on other stars like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade.
Confusion arose earlier this month when the official Hall of Fame presenters list was released and Shaquille O’Neal’s name was notably absent. Instead, Dwight Howard was set to be honored by a legendary group including Dominique Wilkins, Robert Parish, Dennis Rodman, and Patrick Ewing.
Many fans assumed that the reported reconciliation between Shaq and Howard had been exaggerated.
However, O’Neal’s latest comments suggest otherwise. While he may not be listed as an official presenter, Shaq confirmed he will still be in attendance and on stage with Howard, ensuring their reconciliation is sealed with a historic moment. For Howard, who once admitted it would be a “dream come true” to have Shaq present him, the confirmation was met with emotion.
Howard responded on X with: “History to be made Thank you Superman .”
The irony of this reconciliation can’t be overstated. Shaq and Dwight Howard’s careers have always been compared two dominant centers who wore the Lakers’ purple and gold, carried the “Superman” moniker, and shouldered massive expectations as franchise leaders.
For over a decade, Shaq seemed determined to downplay Howard’s accomplishments, but now, he appears ready to give him the flowers he deserves.
And in true Shaq fashion, even as he praised Howard, he couldn’t help but inject humor. During the same BIG3 event, Shaq interrupted an interview to react to Howard missing a dunk, shouting “C’mon, Dwight!” before laughing it off with his trademark “Shaqtin’ a Fool” energy.
"C'mon, Dwight"
Dwight Howard misses a dunk right after Shaq mentions on live TV that Dwight is going into the Hall of Fame 🤣
(via @cbssports | @thebig3) pic.twitter.com/Ux78jHIE0n
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 18, 2025
For fans, Shaq’s confirmation provides closure to one of the NBA’s most talked-about player feuds. For Howard, it marks validation from the man whose shadow he was often unfairly placed under. The two may not always have seen eye to eye, but their shared respect has finally come to the surface at the perfect time.
When Dwight Howard walks onto the stage in Springfield, he won’t just be celebrated as an eight-time All-Star, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and NBA champion.
He’ll also share the spotlight with the man who once doubted him the most and in doing so, create a moment that symbolizes growth, forgiveness, and basketball history coming full circle.
