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Penny Hardaway’s basketball prime flourished with the Orlando Magic, the place he shaped a dynamic duo with Shaquille O’Neal.
Chosen No. 3 general by the Golden State Warriors within the 1993 NBA Draft, Hardaway discovered himself traded to the Magic, setting the stage for a partnership that may electrify the league.
The Shaq-Penny tandem shortly turned a drive to be reckoned with, propelling the Magic to new heights throughout their transient however impactful tenure collectively.
Their on-court chemistry was simple, leaving followers and analysts alike to marvel what might need been had their collaboration lasted longer.
In a latest episode of “The Big Podcast,” O’Neal might have shocked listeners when requested about his finest teammate.
Relatively than naming Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, as many might need anticipated, O’Neal selected Hardaway as an alternative.
“The best for me to play with was Penny Hardaway cause Penny Hardaway was super unselfish. He gave me the ball every time,” O’Neal mentioned.
“Kobe was the meanest. The best for me to play with was Penny Hardaway cause Penny Hardaway was super unselfish. He gave me the ball every time.”
– Shaq on who the perfect teammate he ever had 👀
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O’Neal went on to debate his relationships with different notable teammates.
He described his partnership with Bryant as aggressive, with the superstars always pushing one another whereas striving for staff success.
Relating to Dwyane Wade, O’Neal acknowledged the youthful participant’s rising star with the Miami Warmth, telling him, “You’re the man. And I’m just going to be your hitter.”
Although O’Neal went on to win 4 NBA championships, Hardaway by no means secured a title.
Had they remained teammates, and Hardaway prevented harm, a number of championships may have been inside attain.
This what-if state of affairs continues to intrigue basketball followers and pundits to at the present time, serving as a reminder of the potential that was left unfulfilled.
NEXT:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Has Trustworthy Admission About Being With Magic
