Shaquille O’Neal Shares Raw Moment With The Former Dallas Mavericks Giant Shawn Bradley.
Shaquille O’Neal and Shawn Bradley were seen having a heartfelt moment at the BIG3 basketball league event in Dallas on August 17, 2025. This interaction, which rapidly gained traction on social media, captured the two ex-rivals in a lively discussion backstage, with O’Neal bending down to talk to Bradley, who was in his wheelchair.
Shaquille O’Neal and Shawn Bradley show their bond beyond the NBA court
Shaquille O’Neal and Shawn Bradley met at the BIG3 event thanks to their common NBA background and the league’s welcoming vibe for former players. Although the specifics of their chat weren’t shared in the news, video clips from the meeting capture them “chopping it up” backstage, enjoying some fun banter filled with gestures, laughter, and what looks like some good old reminiscing.
At a height of 7 feet 1 inch, Shaquille O’Neal leaned in closely to Shawn Bradley, giving him a reassuring pat on the shoulder while fans and media snapped photos of the moment.
Their shared history gives a lot of meaning to the moment. During their time on the court, Shaquille O’Neal famously dunked over Shawn Bradley in some unforgettable plays. Those games were a true battle of giants, yet off the court, they’ve built a solid respect for each other.