Shaquille O’Neal offers a heartfelt apology to Rui Hachimura for not recognizing him, claiming to sense Rick Fox vibes in him

Shaq apologises on record to newly drafted Lakers forward Rui Hachimura

Shaquille O’Neal offers a heartfelt apology to Rui Hachimura for not recognizing him, claiming to sense Rick Fox vibes in him

Saturday, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal apologised to former Washington Wizards player Rui Hachimura claiming that he wasn’t aware of the player’s potential. He also compared the Los Angeles Lakers forward with Rick Fox, a former teammate of O’Neal.

The hall-of-Famer also referred to Washington Wizards by its former name, Washington Bullets in his The Big Podcast. He was joined by Candace Parker and Nischell Turner on the podcast as he butchered the name of the Japanese forward by calling him “Rudy”.

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Shaq said, “Let me apologise to Rudy Hachimura, I didn’t know who he was because I never watch the Bullets play, but he’s a fine role player. He’s giving me Rick Fox vibes.” The Bullets had its name changed to the Wizards in 1997. O’Neal has also played 14 seasons with the franchise, leaving the fans baffled about why he chose to go with the previous name. 

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“Tough, pretty good defender. All the stuff, all the little stuff he’s doing he’s done a great job. He doesn’t overdo it. So, Rudy Hachimura, I apologise. I didn’t know who you were. I know who you are now and I wish you well,” added the legendary big. 

Can Hachimura Save the Lakers? 

Hachimura teaming up with Lebron. (Credit: Olympics)

Hachimura joined the Lakers on the trade deadline day as a part of a whole host of players to improve their roster and assist Lebron James. The Los Angeles-based franchise is currently seeded at No. 13 while entering the All-Star break. Shaq’s side is expected to make a dart for the playoff spot in their final 23 games. 

The Japanese has been averaging 10.7 points and 6.1 rebounds for the Lakers from eight starts. He has been shooting 46.4 per cent from the field and 28.6 per cent from outside of the three-point arc. Hachimura has played 26.2 minutes on average since his trade.

Shaq previously on Hachimura 

Shaq Diesel (Credit: RW)

The four-time NBA champion had been doubtful of the forward’s talent when the news of him getting added to the roster first surfaced. The former Laker had famously said, “If you ain’t a top 10 player, I don’t know who you are… I’m not watching the Bullets or the Wizards.”

Shaq’s criticism of the 25-year-old immediately garnered a lot of attention. Even Kevin Durant criticised him on Twitter saying, “Shaquille doesn’t know ball?”

It seems that the youngster has earned Shaq’s respect as he compared him with his teammate Ricky Fox. Fox is a three-time champion with Kobe Bryant and Shaq between 2000 to 2002.