The tension between Dwight Howard and Shaquille O’Neal has reached new heights after Howard’s recent appearance on The Gaud Show podcast. During the interview, Howard expressed frustration over years of perceived disrespect from O’Neal, reigniting their long-standing feud. Howard even suggested settling their differences with a physical fight.
NBA Legends Dwight Howard and Shaq Reignite Feud
“At this point, I’m like, do we need to throw hands? What are we doing?” Howard said, referencing Shaq’s history of public digs. He added, “I was finna roll up to the studio and be like, ‘Yo, what’s the deal?’ Every time I hear about you, you’re disrespecting me.”
Howard attributed the animosity to comparisons made early in his career, with both players being No. 1 overall draft picks by the Orlando Magic and known for their dominance as centers. “What I hated the most is the fact that he always thought I was trying to be him or be like him,” Howard said. “If I wanted to be you, shouldn’t you take that as a compliment?”
O’Neal, known for his blunt commentary, dismissed Howard’s remarks in a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter). “@DwightHoward, the fact u think I care about u is funny,” he wrote. O’Neal labeled Howard a “sensitive big man” and vowed never to mention his name again.
Howard quickly fired back, accusing Shaq of harboring insecurity and jealousy. “You [too] big to be this insecure,” Howard tweeted. “I hope you don’t bring my name up again. 52 years old tweeting me. And still hating.”
The feud traces back to Howard adopting the “Superman” persona, a nickname Shaq popularized. Over the years, Shaq has taken jabs at Howard in interviews and on social media, often portraying him as inferior.
Howard concluded his response by urging Shaq to move on, saying, “It’s 2025. Grow the hell up and move on.”