Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Shaquille O’Neal to Host Dwight Howard’s Hall of Fame Induction

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Between slaps and kisses, the Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Tuesday that Shaquille O’Neal will be present at the induction of Dwight Howard to the highest place in the sport. More than that, Shaq will introduce and lead the pivot to the tribute. Thus, the controversies about the presence or not of the basketball legend were ended.

In April of this year, Howard posted on his “X” that he would like Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Garnett , and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to attend. Shortly after, Shaq confirmed his attendance: “That’s amazing. I’ll do it. I’ll be there, for sure. That’s my guy.” However, about 10 days ago, he canceled his participation without further explanation, leaving several questions unanswered.

Let’s make it official. See you soon @SHAQ. 😎 #25HoopClass pic.twitter.com/tobLF6xR8k
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) August 19, 2025

Now, the Hall of Fame announcement has made official the decision of Shaquille O’Neal, who will be present at the induction of the class of 2025, which will take place on the weekend of September 5th and 6th. In addition to Howard, the following names will be marked in sports history: Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, Billy Donovan, Micky Arison and Danny Crawford.

What feud? Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard Share the Stage at Hall of Fame Event

Both centers were the first picks in their respective drafts, 12 years apart. Furthermore, both debuted in the NBA with the Orlando Magic , making history for the franchise. Shaq and Howard were the centerpieces of their teams, leading the Magic to an NBA Finals appearance, only to lose in the final. Ultimately, both also left Orlando for a venture in Los Angeles with the Lakers .

However, despite similar career trajectories, the two never had the best of relationships. Their strained relationship began and continued with Shaquille O’Neal’s negative comments about Dwight Howard. The final straw came in 2008, when Howard wore a Superman costume for the All-Star dunk contest.

So u wear a cape and win a dunk contest and they call u superman
So
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) November 19, 2008

So Shaq didn’t like it since he used to be the NBA’s “Superman.” “Then you wear a cape and win a dunk contest and they call you Superman.” Additionally, Shaq has been critical of Howard on and off the court on several occasions. Now, however, the relationship appears to be on an even keel.

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Dwight Howard

Shaquille O’Neal

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.