Ice Cube invited Shaq to play in the BIG3 basketball league after the superstar admitted interest in returning to the court in a new interview.
On the Big Podcast, the NBA champ asked his co-host, former NBA star Mario Chalmers, if he could play in the BIG3. “You think I can play in the BIG3?” asked Shaq.
His co-host quickly answered with, “Yeah, easily. I got the perfect spot for you, too. Come over there with me and Mike Beasley. You ain’t gotta do nothing but stay in the paint.”
While referencing recent surgery, Shaq replied with, “I thought about it. I just had hip surgery and I ain’t played since. I don’t think I can get back in that mood.”
Shaq retired from the NBA in 2011 after achieving 4 NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. He retired playing for the Boston Celtics. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
Ice Cube, founder and creator of BIG3, caught wind of Shaq’s inquiry and immediately invited Shaq out to play on X. He tweeted, We got the contract ready for you, big fella. You got three months to get Diesel. You can eat all day in @thebig3 @SHAQ.”
The BIG3 has 12 functional teams, and 50 Cent is looking to add to the league with a team in Louisana. Teams are like traveling attractions, journeying to different cities for their exhibitions. Last season, twelve squads played in Dallas, Brooklyn, Memphis, Miami, Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, and Detroit.
BIG3 basketball league launched in 2017.