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WATCH: Shaquille O'Neal makes hilarious cameo for NHL on TNT
Saturday night's episode of "NHL on TNT" brought a surprise guest to the forefront, none other than former NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal. During the first period of the Carolina Hurricanes' Game 4 clash against the New York Islanders, Shaq made a memorable cameo appearance that had the entire TNT broadcast crew in stitches.
Shaquille O'Neal entertained viewers by performing his version of "Shaq Hyman," a unique swaying dance move from left to right while he held the hockey stick in his hand firmly. The hosts, including Liam McHugh, Anson Carter, Paul Bissonnette and Henrik Lundqvist, couldn't contain their laughter at Shaq's antics.
Studio analyst Paul Bissonnette playfully praised Shaq, referring to Edmonton Oilers star Zach Hyman, who is fondly called "Shaq Hyman," and said:
"Hey, you were great last night again, man. Six goals in the playoffs so far for Shaq Hyman."
Zach Hyman has a total of six goals, one assist, 15 shots on net and 13 hits in three playoff games against the LA Kings.
The lighthearted banter and Shaq's infectious energy added an entertaining twist to the "NHL on TNT" broadcast.
Shaq's appearance wasn't entirely unexpected, considering TNT holds broadcasting rights for both NBA and NHL playoff games, operating out of the same studio in Atlanta.
Shaquille O'Neal, known for his towering 7-foot-1-inch frame and legendary 19-season-long NBA career, added more fun to the NHL broadcast with his comedic cameo.
Shaquille O'Neal talks NBA trade saga in his 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast
NBA athletes face significant challenges when they are suddenly traded between cities, uprooting their lives and families. Shaquille O'Neal, despite his dominance on the court, experienced this firsthand. Reflecting on his career on Friday's episode of the "Pound 4 Pound" podcast, he highlighted how his military upbringing helped him cope with such transitions:
"I have the same mentality as you guys, I’m a fighter."
Despite feeling disrespected by trades, Shaquille O'Neal used them as motivation, channeling his frustration into a killer instinct:
"Oh, you don’t want me LA? No problem. You don’t want me Miami? No problem. That just motivates me."
He channeled his anger into his performance:
"Oh, I ain’t sh*t? OK. I want to punch you in your f**king face, but I can’t."
This coping mechanism allowed him to excel on the court.
The impact of trades extends beyond the athlete to their families. Shaq's daughter, Taahirah, expressed anger towards the Lakers for relocating their family, saying:
"The whole organization could have got these hands."
The trade from LA to Miami marked the end of the Lakers' dominant era, as tensions between Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant reached a breaking point after the 2004 NBA Finals loss to the Detroit Pistons. Reports suggest that Kobe's desire to lead the franchise led to the Lakers choosing him over Shaq. Consequently, Shaq was traded to Miami in exchange for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler and Brian Grant.
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