facing a giant: Joakim Noah Recalls His First NBA Encounter with Shaquille O’Neal
Joakim Noah, the former Chicago Bulls center and son of music legend Yannick Noah, recently reminisced about his early days in the NBA, specifically his first encounter with the legendary Shaquille O’Neal. The occasion was Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement ceremony, prompting Noah to reflect on his rookie season in 2007.
The matchup against O’Neal,then playing for the Miami Heat,took place in January 2008. Noah, a relatively slender rookie at the time, was tasked with fouling the dominant center, sending him to the free throw line.
“I was told to go in there and foul him,” Noah recalled. “I remember telling my teammates, ‘I got Shaq!’ I was probably around 95 kg, and Shaq was at least double that size. It was intimidating, to say the least.”
Upon entering the game, O’Neal, known for his playful intimidation tactics, warned the young Noah, “Watch your nose, rook!”
Noah, with a chuckle, admitted, “he tried to nudge me, trying to poke my nose! Luckily, he didn’t connect.”
This encounter, though brief, left a lasting impression on the young Noah. It highlighted the immense physicality and dominance of O’Neal,a player who redefined the center position in the NBA.
Today, Noah, a two-time All-star and the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year, keeps a close eye on the next generation of French talent in the NBA. He expressed particular interest in Nikola Jokic, the reigning two-time MVP, and victor Wembanyama, the highly touted rookie sensation.
Facing the Mountain: A Conversation with Joakim Noah About Shaq
Welcome back, fans, to another episode of “Courtside Chatter”! Today, we’re joined by a true NBA legend: the two-time All-Star and 2014 Defensive Player of the Year, Joakim Noah! Joakim, thanks for joining me today. Its a pleasure to have you.
Joakim: The pleasure is all mine. Thanks for having me.
Let’s dive right in. I want to talk about that iconic story you recently shared about your first encounter with Shaquille O’Neal. There you were, a young rookie, tasked with fouling the most dominant center in the league. What was going through your mind at that moment? Were you intimidated?
Joakim: (chuckles) Intimidated? I think intimidated is an understatement! Shaq was a giant, both literally and figuratively. I was this skinny rookie,probably half his size,and he was telling me to “Watch your nose,rook!” It felt surreal,like somthing out of a movie. But you know what? I whent in there with a bit of youthful swagger. I remember telling my teammates, ”I got Shaq!” Maybe a bit naive, looking back, but that’s the confidence you have as a young player, right?
absolutely! You’ve mentioned Shaq’s playful intimidation tactics. He was notorious for messing with rookies. Did he deliver any other verbal jabs during that encounter?
Joakim: He definitely tried to nudge me a bit, trying to poke my nose! Luckily, he missed.
(laughs)
But beyond those playful jabs, there was a sense of respect. Shaq knew I was just trying to do my job. And honestly, facing him gave me a taste of the sheer physicality and dominance he brought to the game. He was a force of nature.
It’s amazing to hear about that firsthand experience.Clearly, Shaq left a lasting impression on you.Do you think the modern NBA has players who evoke that same level of awe and intimidation?
Joakim: That’s a great question. The game has evolved so much, and there are so many incredibly talented athletes today. Guys like Nikola Jokic, with his unique skill set, or Victor Wembanyama, with his size and talent, thay definitely have the potential to be game-changers.
I knew you’d mention those two! You’ve spoken about keeping an eye on the next generation of French talent in the NBA. What is it about Jokic and Wembanyama that excites you?
Joakim: Jokic’s passing and court vision are unmatched. He’s like a point guard trapped in a center’s body. And Wembanyama, well, he’s a unicorn.His length, his handle, his touch around the basket – he’s a once-in-a-generation talent. Seeing them develop and make their mark on the league is truly exciting.
(Turning to the audience) What do you think, folks? Are Jokic and Wembanyama destined for greatness? Do you think any player today can match Shaq’s level of dominance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Joakim, your insights are always invaluable. Thanks again for joining us today.
Joakim:** Thanks for having me. It was great catching up.
