Shaq Confirms That Tim Duncan Was Never Scared To Compete Against Him

In a recent episode of his podcast, Shaq reveals that Tim Duncan never fell for his intimidation tactics before the game started.

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal was a big 7’1,” 325-pound player during his NBA career. The athlete’s large stature is reason enough for opposing players to feel intimidated, especially in his prime. Shaq says only one opponent did not fall for his intimidation tactics.

On Shaq’s latest episode of “The Big Podcast,” he revealed that San Antonio Spurs legend and big man Tim Duncan had no issue lining up against him during their time in the league.

Speaking with Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, Shaq said he would purposely stare down his opponent to let them know that defending him would not be easy. He explained that eye-to-eye contact lets him know if a player will back down.

“If I look at you and you put your head down, I got you,” O’Neal said. “…First play of the game, I’m trying to get an offensive foul…so now you know I’m not playing. I’m coming to kill you.”

When Kelce asked if anyone showed him no fear when he used the intimidation technique without hesitation, Shaq responded, “Tim Duncan.”

“I was looking at him, I’m bouncing, and he’s going and I’m going and he’s bouncing back and I was like s**,” O’Neal said.

Shaq says Tim Duncan is the only player who showed no fear before playing against him.

(🎥 @bigpodwithshaq / https://t.co/iNYMmum1a0) pic.twitter.com/0CvocDzCUi

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 19, 2024

You can check out the full episode:

Duncan, who won five NBA championships while playing with the Spurs, was considered one of the big guys in the NBA. He may not have been over seven feet, but he was right there at 6′ 11.” And although Shaq outweighed him by about 75 pounds, Duncan had no issue going up against the behemoth during their playing days.