Shaquille O'Neal Possibly Headed to the Magic, Still Beefing With Dwight Howard?
Shaquille O'Neal was drafted into the NBA by the Orlando Magic 20 years ago and may now be looking to become the team's next general manger -- but has his beef from two years ago with Dwight "Superman" Howard been resolved?
O'Neal, 40, now serves as an analyst on the television show "Inside the NBA." However ESPN correspondent Chris Broussard announced that he may be interviewing to become the Magic's next general manager.
The news comes only days after general manager Otis Smith and head coach Stan Van Gundy were fired from the organization. Smith, a former player for the Magic, became the team's the general manager in 2006 before a disappointing close of the 2011-2012 season ended in him stepping down.
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However, some questioned if the former Magic Center could be a part of the team with Dwight Howard, whom he reportedly feuded with in 2010. When O'Neal was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010, he told the press that he was offended with the comparison's made between he and Howard.
Both were NBA centers who used the moniker "Superman," but O'Neal was not happy sharing the name.
"You tell me who the real Superman is," O'Neal said after Cleveland beat Orlando in 2010. "Don't compare me to nobody. I'd rather not be mentioned. I'm offended."
Still, Broussard said the pair are presently getting along, which may increase the possibility of them working for the same team.
"Despite the public bickering with Dwight about Superman, Dwight and Shaq actually have a good relationship. In some ways they've bonded over their dislike for Stan Van Gundy," Broussard said. "But Shaq and Dwight, they text one another. The Magic feel like if we can bring Shaq in he's been everywhere Dwight wants to go. He can help Dwight mature and maybe keep him in Orlando."
In an interview with the "Open Mike Radio Show" in Orlando, O'Neal reportedly showed an interest in taking on the position.
"I would love to be the general manager of the Orlando Magic," he said. "Alex Martins, you've got my number. Call me!"
The former NBA All-Star will reportedly interview with the Magic organization about the position next week.
