Former NBA player, Shaquille O'Neal enters the arena for game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center.
Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Close your eyes and imagine it's 2001 all over again. What do you see? Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez performing “I'm Real (Remix)” on MTV? People lining up to watch “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone” in movie theaters (remember those?)? Or Todd MacCulloch crying for help and holding on for dear life as Shaquille O'Neal obliterates him in the post?
All of the above?
O'Neal was the most unstoppable athlete during his absolute peak, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a three-peat with his unique combination of size, strength, and agility. Even magical spells from Hogwarts would not have had a chance against “The Big Diesel.”
On Tuesday, O'Neal gave fans a throwback treat by slamming the ball during the latest stage of his dunk league, DUNKMAN. He shook the rim like it was 2001 all over again.
HE STILL GOT IT 💪 @SHAQ opens the night with a POWERFUL DUNK @tntsportsus #dunkman pic.twitter.com/tGN2zwYU5Z
— DUNKMAN (@dunkmanofficial) August 5, 2026
Don't show this to Chris Dudley.
The three-time Finals MVP was notorious for destroying the hoop during his playing career, including shattering the backboard as a rookie for the Orlando Magic in 1993 against the New Jersey Nets.
O'Neal has always been a good showman, and he proved to fans that he can still get up, although these days, he jumps as high as a caterpillar. In another video shared by Complex Sports, the four-time champion doinked the ball as he tried to throw it down.
DUNKMAN, which the Hall of Famer founded with TNT Sports, is in its inaugural season. Twenty-four participants are battling for the crown, with O'Neal, Vince Carter, and Dwight Howard, among others, serving as judges.