Shaquille O’Neal will not present Dwight Howard at 2025 Hall of Fame Induction originally appeared on Fadeaway World.
What was announced as a poetic moment in a complete circle in the history of the NBA took an unexpected turn. Shaquille O’Neal, who would have agreed to present Dwight Howard during the induction of the 2025 basketball renowned temple, will not do so. Instead, Howard will be honored by a legendary distribution which includes Dominique Wilkins, Robert Parish, Dennis Rodman and Patrick Ewing.
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The change, which was reported for the first time before the ceremony, sent undulations into the world of basketball, not only because of the names involved, but because of what it symbolizes.
Howard and Shaq had one of the most public and bitter oxen in the modern history of the NBA. For more than a decade, O’Neal criticized the game, the personality of Howard and even his right to use the nickname “Superman”, which the two great men have made emblematic their own eras.
But in recent months, things seemed to have turned around. In April, Howard posted that he wanted Shaq, Kevin Garnett and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to “go out” at the Hall of Fame.
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He even gave interviews indicating how excited it was that Shaq would present it, going so far as to call him a dream that has become reality.
“All he says will be incredible. I can’t wait to see that day. ”
The two would have crushed their beef, where they spoke face to face and would hear their long -standing differences. This reconciliation has led to speculation and confirmation that Shaq would be part of Howard’s presenters.
Now it seems to have fallen. Whether it is due to a planning problem, a last -minute heart change or something behind the scenes, Shaq is officially outside the list.
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Neither O’Neal nor Howard discussed publicly the change, but he certainly highlighted the eyebrows among the fans who were impatient to see the symbolic death of the torch from one dominant center to another.
Despite the absence of Shaq, Howard will not lack support. His list of presenters presents some of the greatest great men to have ever played the game, Ewing, Wilkins, Rodman and Parish, who reflect different aspects of Howard’s inheritance: defense, rebound, athletics and tenacity. Their presence guarantees that his enthusiasm will always bear the reverence and recognition he deserves.
The enthronement of the temple of Howard’s fame comes after a remarkable 18 -year career in the NBA where he collected on average 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per match, while pulling almost 59% of the field. He made eight appearances to the stars, was appointed defensive player of the year three times and led the Orlando Magic to the NBA final in 2009. For all the criticisms he received, the CV of Howard is undeniable.
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In the end, even without Shaq next to him, Dwight Howard enters the room with all the weight of his achievements and with a casting of the defense of legends which know exactly what the painting means.
Related: “I have 4 white girlfriends”: Shaquille O’Neal is realized on his polyamatrous relationship
This story was initially reported by Fadeaway World on August 7, 2025, where it appeared for the first time.
