Shaquille O'Neal Player Quotations

For once in my career, I won't have to hold anybody's hand and they won't have to hold mine. I'm surrounded by veterans. We had a great battle last Thursday at HealthPoint. It was something I never had before - three, four, really great players all in one pickup game.

I just said to myself, 'Damn, I'm a great player.'

If I don't get five [titles], I won't be happy with myself as a basketball player. I don't know how you guys will feel about me.

And I want to do it the right way, like everybody else, not just a famous figurehead that gets a job because he is a famous basketball player. I want to really learn the business.

I'm the NBA's best NFL player, and I've always been the sexiest 7-footer in the NBA - for 12 years running.

I'm very excited about my new agreement with the Heat. This contract allows me to address all of my family's long-term financial goals while allowing the Heat the ability to acquire those players that we need to win a championship.

I'm the first player in history that doesn't want to play defense and still gets in foul trouble.

About strip clubs and athletes. The best way I can explain why a lot of players end up there is because it's one of the safest places a high-profile person can spend time in a boring city.

I think I'm the only player who looks at each and every center and says to myself, 'That's barbecued chicken down there.'

I'd heard stuff from out there that I was just another player, that I was too young. I wanted to show I could play with anybody.

He can play. He can shoot. He can dribble. He can pass. He's a great player. Period. No question about it. And if anyone thinks Dirk is not a great player, I'll punch them in their face.

I think he's the true definition of a great player and you guys should recognize that. I think the recognition of a great player has been lost the last 10, 15 years.