Dwight Howard and Shaquille O'Neal have had a long-standing rivalry, primarily centered around the "Superman" nickname, a moniker O'Neal believes is rightfully his. Recently, the tension between the two resurfaced when Howard, on his show "Above the Rim with DH 12", opened up about some very personal and "disrespectful" messages O'Neal had sent him in private.
"I done already said whatever it is we could chop it up, got no issue with this man. He said some things to me, personal messages that I ain't going to reveal in public, that was very disrespectful." (2:52)
While Howard didn't go into detail about the exact nature of the messages, his words clearly indicate that the rift between him and Shaq is far from resolved.
The rivalry between Howard and O'Neal dates back to the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest when Howard, then a star for the Orlando Magic, donned a Superman cape while delivering a jaw-dropping dunk.
The moment became iconic, and fans began referring to Howard as "Superman," a nickname that had long been associated with Shaquille O'Neal due to his powerful, dominant style of play. O'Neal, who had the Superman "S" tattooed on his arm and had long embraced the nickname, was less than thrilled about sharing it with a younger player.
In a recent social media exchange, O'Neal took a shot at Howard for using the nickname. Howard, in response, made it clear that he never intended to claim the nickname for himself.
This back-and-forth on social media was a continuation of years of public sniping between the two, with O'Neal often criticizing Howard for not living up to the standards that come with the "Superman" nickname. Howard, while never openly expressing hatred for O'Neal, has repeatedly shown frustration over Shaq's relentless criticism.
The origin of their feud, beyond the nickname, likely stems from the comparisons that were drawn between them during Howard's prime years in Orlando. Both were dominant big men who played for the Magic, and many believed Howard was following in O'Neal's footsteps.
However, while O'Neal cemented his legacy with four championships, three Finals MVPs, and a Hall of Fame career, Howard's career trajectory, though impressive, didn't quite reach the same heights. This gap in their respective achievements is a point O'Neal has repeatedly emphasized.
Despite the animosity, Howard has stated multiple times that he wants to end the beef with O'Neal. On the podcast, he reiterated that he had no ill will toward Shaq and would prefer to settle their differences. However, the private messages from O'Neal, which Howard described as "disrespectful," suggest that O'Neal isn't as keen on burying the hatchet.
Ultimately, this ongoing feud is a reminder of how personal rivalries can be in the world of professional sports, where egos, legacies, and public perception are constantly at play. For Dwight Howard, the hope of making peace with Shaquille O'Neal remains, but as long as O'Neal continues to criticize him over the Superman nickname, the tension between them is likely to persist.
Related: Dwight Howard Claps Back At Fan Who Said Charles Barkley Had More 'Dog' Than Him
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