Shaquille O’Neal reveals how ‘meanest’ Kobe Bryant was different from ‘unselfish’ Penny Hardaway
NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal opened up on his best teammate he played with involving Penny Hardaway and Kobe Bryant.
Follow Us
Shaquille O'Neal talks about Penny Hardaway and Kobe Bryant
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal made a bold assertion lately regarding his former teammates and legendary players, Kobe Bryant and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. Notably, O’Neal received multiple awards during his career and was regarded as one of the greatest players of his era. Additionally, he played alongside some of the greatest NBA players of all time, like Hardaway and Bryant.
O’Neal recently analyzed his career and distinguished each of his best co-stars based on their distinguishing traits in an episode of the BIG podcast. O’Neal was not shying away from giving his former teammates their flowers, especially Hardaway. As such, the four-time champion was asked about his best teammate.
Kobe was the meanest. The best for me to play with was Penny Hardaway cause Penny Hardaway was super unselfish. He gave me the ball every time.
Shaquille O’Neal via The Big Podcast with Shaq
Moreover, Hardaway was considered one of the best youngsters in the NBA and joined O’Neal after his Orlando Magic selection. Due to his unselfish nature, Hardaway agreed to serve as O’Neal’s partner. The two led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995.
“Kobe was the meanest. The best for me to play with was Penny Hardaway cause Penny Hardaway was super unselfish. He gave me the ball every time.”
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) October 16, 2024
– Shaq on who the best teammate he ever had ?
Watch our new episode with Leonard Founette here: https://t.co/XtZMHxZf0w pic.twitter.com/eT8KXtngpT
Later, O’Neal and Bryant played together for the Los Angeles Lakers, where they won numerous NBA titles and gave their finest performances. However, things turned sour between them. A massive fallout led to O’Neal leaving the franchise in 2004.
Shaquille O’Neal claimed Penny Hardaway was ‘Kobe before Kobe’
One of the best NBA players, Shaquille O’Neal, rarely gives anyone in the NBA more credit than he does. On a segment of his podcast, O’Neal once did just that while raving about his former teammate Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. Shaq gave him credit and claimed that he was the true “Kobe” before the late Kobe Bryant became the “Black Mamba.”
They (the kids of this new generation) ask me who is better? Penny or Kobe and I always say ‘Penny was Kobe before Kobe’… Kobe first year: didn’t start. Second year: didn’t start… it took him 600 to 900 days to become the Black Mamba. Penny came in Penny.
Shaquille O’Neal via The Big Podcast with Shaq
“Penny was Kobe before Kobe… Kobe first year: didn’t start. Second year: didn’t start… it took him 600 to 900 days to become the Black Mamba. Penny came in Penny.”
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) July 10, 2024
If you’re ever injured, you can check out Morgan & Morgan @forthepeople. Their fee is free unless they win. For… pic.twitter.com/zK6aRy3lI6
Moreover, O’Neal and Hardaway had a great bond with the Orlando Magic during their years. Interestingly though, Hardaway is an American college basketball trainer leading the AAC’s Memphis Tigers men’s squad. Hardaway spent fourteen years in the NBA after playing basketball for college at Memphis. Also, he was selected to the All-NBA team three times and to the All-Star team four times.
Stay Updated!
Kartik Mudaliar
(844 Articles Published)