Shaquille O’Neal has been retired from the NBA for over a decade, but the Big Diesel proved once again that some things never leave you. At Pier 36 in New York City, Shaq stepped back onto the hardwood in a one-on-one showdown against George “The Messiah” Papoutsis, a social media hooper known for his trash talk and flashy content. The crowd of kids in attendance quickly realized they were about to witness something special.
The format was simple: first basket wins. Papoutsis opened with possession, trying to shake the 7-foot-1 legend with some dribbles before settling for a mid-range jumper. The shot rimmed out, setting the stage for Shaq’s moment. What followed was vintage Shaquille O’Neal. Backing his opponent down into the paint with sheer force, Shaq turned and unleashed his signature baby hook.
The ball dropped smoothly through the net, and the crowd erupted as if it were an NBA Finals game. To cap it off, Shaq stared down Papoutsis, sending a clear message: even at 52, the Diesel still dominates.
The duel wasn’t about basketball glory or competition; it was about promotion. O’Neal was in town to launch Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies, his new candy line created with Hershey. Shaped like his famous size-22 sneakers, the gummies were the centerpiece of a fan event filled with music, giveaways, and activities for kids. But it was the quick showdown with Papoutsis that stole the spotlight. Videos of Shaq’s hook shot and the crowd’s wild reaction instantly went viral on Instagram and X, with fans jokingly demanding a full 11-point game.
For Papoutsis, this wasn’t his first clash with NBA legends. Earlier this year, he infamously challenged Brian Scalabrine, the “White Mamba,” to a game at the West 4th Street Cage, only to get shut out 11-0.
Shaq, on the other hand, thrived in the spotlight. The four-time NBA champion, Hall of Famer, and larger-than-life personality leaned into the moment, delivering exactly what the crowd came for. He might not move like he did in his prime with the Lakers, but his size, presence, and touch in the paint remain undeniable.
At its core, the event was another reminder of O’Neal’s unmatched charisma. Whether he’s DJing at festivals, analyzing games on TNT, or promoting sneakers and candy, Shaq has mastered the art of entertaining. On this day, all it took was one baby hook and a stare-down to send a gym full of New York kids into a frenzy.
For Papoutsis, it was another humbling chapter. For Shaquille O’Neal, it was just another chance to remind the world: even retired, the Big Aristotle still knows how to put on a show.
