Inside The Heat

Shaquille O'Neal Claims Miami Heat Made "Chess Move" By Paying Coach Erik Spoelstra After Divorce

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal shares that the Miami Heat's organization made a "chess move" if they purposely paid coach Erik Spoelstra after his divorce

Anthony Pasciolla

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The personality of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal shines on every platform on which he appears.

He recently ventured into the world of podcasting, where the Hall of Famer speaks on a variety of topics. Some of the biggest news across the league in recent weeks has been the contract extension of Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.

His extension came a few months after his divorce from his ex-wife, Nikki Spoelstra. In a recent addition of 'The Big Podcast', O'Neal discussed the situation with comedian Gary Owen.

"Did you see what Pat Riley and the Miami Heat did? So apparently Erik Spoelstra's been going through a divorce," O'Neal said. "So his divorce got final, and then a couple days later they made him one of the highest-paid NBA coaches ever."

"Everybody is talking about it on social media. I don't think they did it on purpose, but if they did, that's a hell of a chess move," O'Neal finished.

The four-time NBA champion appears alongside Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith on TNT's Inside the NBA. However, the podcast allows O'Neal to speak on controversial subjects. The light-hearted character of the retired All-Star allows him to pull comedy into any situation.

The motive behind the timing remains unknown, but it has led to a multitude of theories and reactions.

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com

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