Shaquille O'Neal Tells Touching Story Regarding Christmas Gifts

Shandel Richardson | Dec 24, 2024

Jun 6, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Shaquille O'Neal looks on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most humble players in league history.

He often arrives unannounced at stores to offer gifts to disadvantage youth across the country. It's probably because he grew up the same way. He told a story about it during a recent appearance on a podcast.

O'Neal explained what Christmas was like in his household.

"I've seen my father borrow money to get my brothers and sisters Christmas presents," O'Neal said. "If the money was tight, he'd pull me to the side and be like, `Big man, I'm going to take care of your sisters. I'm going to get them the Barbies and the Barbie's they want. I'm coming up short. I'll get you next time. I was like, `Cool, as long they're happy, I'm cool."'

Shaq on the Christmas present that changed his life 🥹 #shaq #christmas #christmasgifts

Posted by Graham Bensinger on Wednesday, December 18, 2024

O'Neal, who is an NBA Hall of Famer, said his father eventually made up for it. He gave a gift that celebrated his father player growing up, Julius Erving. O'Neal said it made his childhood.

"So one morning everybody is out, opening presents and I thought I wasn't getting a present and he opened the door, 'Let's go play some ball.' And there was a Dr. J ball. Best present he got me. Dr. J was my man."'

It's probably why O'Neal has been so generous over the years who were less fortunate.

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Back In The Day Hoops On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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