Shaquille O’Neal is one of the NBA’s biggest ambassadors, a towering figure both on and off the court. Yet, when it comes to watching the NBA Finals, Shaq has made it clear: he’s only interested if he’s getting paid to do so.
However, the Big Fella did stop by NBA TV for a quick appearance after Game Two of the series. Asked for a quick take on the upcoming Game Three, O’Neal quickly fired off his selection: “I am picking the Pacers,” he said.
After wrapping up his duties with TNT earlier this month, where he had been a cornerstone of the iconic show Inside the NBA, Shaq shifted into full summer vacation mode following Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night. Rather than tuning in to see how the rest of the championship series unfolds, O’Neal revealed he’d rather be elsewhere—preferably somewhere sunny and relaxing.
NBA TV had brought Shaq and longtime colleague Kenny Smith back to cover the Finals pre- and postgame analysis for Games 1 and 2. Charles Barkley, the other legendary cast member, was set to join the team for Games 3 and 4. But after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 123-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 2, Shaq was already mentally checked out and dreaming of a Caribbean getaway.
“Indiana stole one,” Shaq remarked. “I’m just glad it’s not the old format, that 2-3-2. Remember that format? That 2-3-2? So now we have a series. I won’t even be watching. I’m gonna be in the Bahamas.”
Kenny Smith quickly reminded Shaq that watching ESPN and ABC from the Bahamas was very much possible, while NBA TV commentator Chris Miles pointed out the Finals coverage was available there, too. Shaq wasn’t buying it.
“Not in the ocean,” Shaq joked, swirling a clear plastic cup filled with an ambiguous beverage. “This ain’t water.”
While the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers don’t have the national appeal of some marquee franchises, the NBA is undoubtedly hoping for a long Finals series—especially after splitting the first two games. The longer the series, the more eyeballs on the league’s biggest stage.
But if the NBA is banking on super fans like Shaq to be glued to every minute of the Finals action, they may be in for a surprise. Shaq is perfectly content to watch the NBA Finals—but only when he’s getting compensated and enjoying a cocktail poolside. Without those incentives, he’s happy to check out and focus on his own summer plans.
This paradox isn’t lost on fans or the league itself. Shaq and Charles Barkley have become synonymous with Inside the NBA, elevating the pregame and postgame shows to must-watch status. Their mix of insight, humor, and on-air chemistry is a major reason why the show is often called the greatest studio show in sports history.
Yet, for all their love and respect for the game, Shaq and Barkley often seem to approach the NBA more as entertainers and analysts than as diehard fans. Their willingness to call out the league, the players, and even the spectacle itself gives their commentary a unique edge—and sometimes makes you wonder how much they really care about the outcomes on the court.
At the end of the day, Shaquille O’Neal remains a towering figure in basketball—not just for what he did on the court but also for his outsized personality off it. And if the Finals don’t capture his attention, well, you can bet he’ll be somewhere far away, cocktail in hand, soaking up the sun instead.