Many aspiring rookies are on their way to their NBA dream as the upcoming season approaches. Before the season starts, these athletes will learn different techniques and strategies from their teammates and coaches.
The retired NBA player Shaquille O’Neal has a piece of advice for them as well, financially speaking.
NBA Teams
Shaq became Rookie of the Year in his first professional year when he was drafted by the Orlando Magic way back in 1992, and led the Orlando Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals. He played for the Magic for four years before transferring to Los Angeles Lakers.
Shaq took home three NBA championships with the Lakers in 2000, 2001, and 2002. However, Shaq and Kobe Bryant didn’t get along very well, so he joined the Miami Heat in 2004.
The seven-footer basketball legend gained his fourth NBA championship trophy in 2006 with the Miami Heat before joining the Phoenix Suns.
He only spent one and a half seasons with the Suns and was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009. A year later, he joined the Boston Celtics before the end of his career.
Shaq’s Accolades
All throughout his NBA journey, he was hailed the Most Valuable Player in 2000, took home three consecutive NBA Finals MVP, won four NBA Championships, fifteen NBA All-Star games with three NBA All-Star Game MVP titles, and a Rookie of the Year Award.
His other accolades include ranking 8th place as all-time in points scored, sixth in field goals, fifteenth in rebounds, and eighth in blocks.
He also landed third all-time in field goal percentage with an average of 58.2%. In 2016, he was recognized at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, as well as at the 2017 FIBA Hall of Fame.
Shaquille O’Neal Outside the Basketball Court
Aside from his achievements inside the court, Shaq made a career in music and released four rap albums. His first album Shaq Diesel went platinum. He also has another persona as DJ DIESEL and took roles in several films and television shows such as Shaq’s Big Challenge and Shaq Vs.
In addition to that, he has a podcast entitled The Big Podcast with Shaq, and he sits as the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming of the NBA 2K League.
Save for Retirement
With all the money that he’s gaining, he told the rookies that if they want to be financially successful like him, then on their first paycheck, they have to save the 75% for retirement and start to play around the remaining 25%.
He also reminded them not to be tempted pulling out even just a pinch from the 75%. He may not be around the court anymore, but these rookies could learn some good financial advice from Shaq.