Shaquille O’Neal has been called plenty of things over the years.
The Big Diesel. Superman. The Big Aristotle. Four-time NBA champion. Hall of Famer.
But there’s another title Shaq proudly claims that might surprise some basketball fans.
Tech geek.
Yep. The 7-foot-1 basketball legend apparently loves gadgets almost as much as he once loved dunking on helpless NBA defenders.
And his latest business adventure puts that passion front and center.
Shaq Goes Shopping in Times Square
On October 6, Shaq appeared at the massive 22,000-square-foot Times Square flagship store of tech retailer tm:rw, where he hosted a TikTok Shop livestream featuring everything from drones and robotic dogs to fitness equipment and futuristic holiday gifts.
Basically, imagine turning a giant toy store over to Shaquille O’Neal and giving him permission to play with everything.
What could possibly go wrong?
Speaking with Men’s Journal during the event, Shaq enthusiastically embraced his inner gadget enthusiast.
“I’ve always been what’s called a geek,” he admitted.
He explained that he’s fascinated by technology, robots, drones, fitness equipment, and just about anything that qualifies as a cool new toy.
For Shaq, that fascination goes all the way back to childhood.
Growing up, he didn’t always have the money to buy the toys he wanted. But once basketball success brought financial freedom, he could finally indulge that lifelong curiosity.
And apparently, he hasn’t stopped shopping since.
Shaq Claims He Was First in Line for Apple
Here’s a fun little detail.
Shaq even claimed he was the first person in the world to own both an iPhone and an iPod when Apple introduced those devices.
Now, we can’t verify that particular piece of technological history, but it certainly tells you something about his enthusiasm for getting his hands on the latest gadgets.
Most people wait for reviews.
Shaq apparently wants the prototype.
The NBA legend described the tm:rw shopping experience as something resembling the legendary Sharper Image stores, only considerably bigger and more impressive.
He was so intrigued by the concept that the opportunity to invest in the business helped convince him to get involved.
The Shaq Business Philosophy
Of course, Shaq isn’t just a celebrity who shows up, smiles for photographs, and collects endorsement checks.
He’s built an impressive business empire through investments, partnerships, restaurants, and technology ventures.
And he says there’s a simple rule behind the products he chooses to support.
He has to genuinely like and respect them.
That philosophy helps explain why his business interests often reflect his personal passions, whether it’s basketball, music, fitness, or the latest technology.
It also explains why Shaq seems so comfortable interacting directly with customers and fans.
Although the Times Square event was his first live-shopping appearance in the United States, he had previously participated in similar broadcasts in China.
Shaq says he enjoys remaining approachable, describing himself as an ordinary guy who happens to still be recognized 15 years after leaving professional basketball.
Ordinary guy?
Sure, Shaq.
Just your average 7-foot-1 multimillionaire who owns more businesses than most people have pairs of shoes.
So What Gadget Did Shaq Want?
With an entire store filled with drones, robots, and futuristic electronics, you might expect Shaq to choose something spectacular.
Maybe a robotic dog.
Perhaps a high-tech drone.
Nope.
When asked which product he’d like to take home, Shaq pointed to an LED facial mask.
Apparently, even Superman appreciates a little skincare.
And honestly, that’s what makes Shaq so entertaining.
Whether he’s dominating the basketball court, performing as DJ Diesel, investing in businesses, or shopping for beauty gadgets, the big man never seems to lose his sense of fun.
The Big Diesel has officially become The Big Geek.
And we’re absolutely here for it.