<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">LAS VEGAS -- A pair of centers with Orlando Magic ties, past and present, acted like real-time teammates as they shared the stage during the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night. Veteran Shaquille O'Neal looked as if he was doing all he could to showcase young Dwight Howard. Click here to find out more! After challenging him to an impromptu break-dance dance-off and supporting Howard during the dunk contest over the weekend, O'Neal then made good on his pre-game gesture in the Western Conference's 153-132 lopsided victory against the Eastern Conference at Thomas & Mack Center. Thanks to Shaq's generosity, Howard received ample playing time in his all-star debut, scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in nearly 21 minutes. Before the game, his East teammates were already comparing him to Shaq. "Lot of guys in the locker room were saying that that's going to be me in 10 years. Same laugh, same smile," Howard said of O'Neal. "We're both just big kids." Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant led the West and all scorers with 31 points, adding six assists and six steals. He was named the MVP in what was largely a lame game, the East unable -- or unwilling -- to match Bryant's fire. Never one to turn down a shot, Bryant made 8-of-14 attempts and had 17 points in the first half as the West opened a 79-59 lead and watched it balloon to 33. The exhibition, played outside an NBA market for the first time in the all-star game's 56-year history, was as one-sided as a blackjack dealer on a hot streak. Although voted in as the East starter despite playing just 10 games after knee surgery, O'Neal said that Howard deserved to be in the lineup. O'Neal had indicated he would play a few minutes to begin this glorified pick-up game and then "turn it over" to Howard -- and he did just that early in the first quarter. If that wasn't enough, the Miami Heat center gave up his spot in the second half, allowing Howard to start the third quarter. "Dwight deserved to be here. I just wanted to make sure he got more minutes," said Shaq, aka The Big Humanitarian. "I wanted him to enjoy this because it was his first time." "It was an honor that he let me play," Howard said. He enjoyed the experience, although he was disappointed with his third-place finish in Saturday's dunk contest and his 0-for-5 struggle at the free-throw line Sunday. "It was great. I got a little bit of my nervousness out by doing the dunk contest. I had a lot of fun out there," Howard said. "I talked to Shaq and Vince Carter a little bit [before the game] and they calmed me down. I had some little butterflies but after a couple of dunks, I was cool." Howard came in for Shaq with seven minutes, 29 seconds left in the opening quarter of the game, and quickly joined this unofficial dunk contest. His first slam came about a minute and a half later, and he was fouled. And Magic fans had to cringe as he missed the free throw, the first of three misses at the line before intermission. He added two more follow dunks and an alley-oop dunk before Shaq returned in the second period. In one of the game's lighter moments, O'Neal dunked and then grabbed Tracy McGrady and kissed him on the top of the head. Watching the former Isleworth neighbors frolic might have been bittersweet for Magic fans, just as the bond that Shaq obviously has formed with Howard.</div> Source
He didn't get a kiss like Tmac did though. So Shaq doesn't love him as much yet. How sweet would it be to have Shaq come for his last season to retire where he started as a Magic? Sure he won't be that dominate or anything, but him teaching Dwight for one year would be HUGE.
its good so see that shaq sees the future of the nba centers in howard...hes gonna be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come..^ that would be amazing if shaq did come for one year to end his career..but he said miami would be his last time..but i thought that shaq wanted to me like the owner or the coach of the magic after he was done? could be wrong...but shaq still has a lot of love for orlando
Maybe Shaq will become a part-time owner of the Magic, and convince Wade to come to the Magic. or convince Dwight to come to the Heat.
<div class="quote_poster">Skiptomylue11 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post"> or convince Dwight to come to the Heat.</div> HELL NO!!!! I wouldn't mind Wade coming here though.
I don't see the comparison. Dwight is an incredible player, but comparing him to a young Shaq is a little premature.
<div class="quote_poster">Skiptomylue11 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe Shaq will become a part-time owner of the Magic, and convince Wade to come to the Magic. or convince Dwight to come to the Heat.</div> Why would Shaq become part owner of the Magic and then tell Dwight Howard to go to the Heat?
I guess he meant if SHaq doesn't take a position with the Magic. I doubt he'll lure D-Wade from Miami though.
<div class="quote_poster">GatorsowntheNCAA Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Why would Shaq become part owner of the Magic and then tell Dwight Howard to go to the Heat? </div> Yea, I meant that maybe this will cause: 1. Shaq becoming a part owner of the Magic, and getting Wade to come to the Magic. 2. Shaq (being friends with Wade), trying to convince Howard to join his buddy Wade in Miami.
