Shaq Regrets Ignoring Phil Jackson’s Advice That Might Have Extended His Career: ‘I Wish I Had Listened To Him’

Shaquille O’Neal, the basketball legend, has recently revealed a career-defining regret in his autobiography. He admitted to not following the advice of his coach, Phil Jackson, which could have potentially extended his career.

What Happened: After winning his third consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002, O’Neal was battling a serious toe problem. O’Neal expressed regret in his autobiography for not taking Jackson’s advice regarding a surgery that could have prolonged his career.

“He told me, ‘If you get this done right, you can play until you’re forty.’ I wish I had listened to him,” O’Neal said in his autobiography.

“I had hallux rigidus, which is a disorder of the joint located at the base of the big toe. It’s a form of degenerative arthritis,” he added in his memoir.

As per the report by Basketball Network, O’Neal, despite his exceptional athleticism and towering height, was suffering from hallux rigidus, a type of degenerative arthritis that affects the joint at the base of the big toe.

The condition had deteriorated to the point where surgery was unavoidable, leading to a critical decision about the type of procedure to undertake.

Phil Jackson, the renowned coach who had steered O’Neal’s growth from a promising talent to an indomitable force on the court, recommended a more comprehensive surgery.

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This operation, frequently performed on ballet dancers who are familiar with severe toe pain, offered a more lasting solution but required an extended recovery period.

However, during intense contract negotiations with the Lakers, O’Neal opted for a less invasive surgery, fearing that a long recovery could undermine his negotiation position.

He now acknowledges that this decision was a mistake. His toe problem continued, and he returned to the court not at his best, eventually leading to his trade to the Miami Heat in mid-2004.

Why It Matters: O’Neal’s revelation underscores the importance of health decisions in the career of professional athletes. His choice to prioritize contract negotiations over his long-term health had a significant impact on his career trajectory.

This serves as a reminder to current and future athletes about the importance of considering long-term health implications when making career decisions.;

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