Concern for NBA fans: former superstar in clinic on a drip

Copyright: imago sportfotodienst

Dirk Nowitzki (left) and Shaquille O’Neal in the NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on October 10, 2003.

Many NBA fans will have caught their breath at this sight: Shaquille O’Neal posts a picture from a hospital bed. He is on a drip, in his arms are cannulas for infusions.

On Monday (March 20, 2023) the 2.16 meter giant posted the picture on his Twitter profile, causing speculation among fans.

Speculations about NBA star Shaquille O’Neal

Is the 1994 basketball world champion seriously ill? Did he hurt himself? “Shaq” left the network community in the dark at first.

Instead, the former professional even ended his posting with the cryptic words “miss y’all” (in German: I miss you all).

See Shaquille O’Neal’s Twitter post here

A short time later, the NBA giant publicly gave the all-clear. A few hours after the clinic photo, he wrote: “To everyone who was concerned: don’t worry. I’m fine.” Add the hashtag “#hipreplacement”. So the former NBA star obviously underwent hip surgery.

In the past, the NBA star had to struggle with physical ailments on several occasions. Most recently, he lost 20 kilos last year.

The almost 20 years of professional career in the NBA have visibly affected today’s TV expert. So now the new hip joint, which is primarily intended to make everyday life easier for him.

During his active career, “Shaq” was one of the most successful basketball players in the world. The center, who has also played for the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics in addition to the LA Lakers, has been named to the all-star team 15 times.

O’Neal has won an NBA title four times. Three times with the LA Lakers around basketball legend Kobe Bryant († 41), once with the Miami Heat.

“Shaq” is now also a TV expert on the US broadcaster TNT. There he acts as an expert for the games of the basketball season in the USA. (kma)