Is Royce O’Neale Related To Shaquille O’Neal? The Truth Behind The Rumor

^{Many basketball fans have wondered if Royce O’Neale, the small forward for the Brooklyn Nets, is related to Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary center who played for six NBA teams and won four championships. The two players share a similar last name and a passion for the game, but are they actually family?}

^{The Short Answer: No}

^{The short answer is no, Royce O’Neale and Shaquille O’Neal are not related. Royce is a native of Texas, while Shaq hails from New Jersey. They have different parents, siblings, and backgrounds. There is no evidence of any blood or marital connection between them.}

^{The Long Answer: A Tale Of Two Careers}

^{Royce O’Neale and Shaquille O’Neal have very different career paths in basketball. Shaq was a dominant force in the NBA from his rookie season in 1992 until his retirement in 2011. He was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic and went on to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. He was a 15-time All-Star, a three-time Finals MVP, a two-time scoring champion, and a one-time MVP. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.}

^{Royce O’Neale, on the other hand, was undrafted out of college and had to work his way up from overseas leagues. He played for MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany and Herbalife Gran Canaria in Spain before joining the Utah Jazz in 2017. He became a reliable role player for the Jazz, averaging 7.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in the 2020-21 season. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022, where he joined forces with superstars Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving.}

^{The Conclusion: Respect And Friendship}

^{Despite their lack of relation, Royce O’Neale and Shaquille O’Neal have shown respect and friendship for each other. Royce has said that he grew up watching Shaq play and admires his skills and personality. Shaq has praised Royce’s hustle and defense and even gave him a shout-out on his podcast. The two have also exchanged jerseys after games and posed for photos together.}

^{So, while Royce O’Neale and Shaquille O’Neal are not related by blood or marriage, they are related by basketball and mutual admiration.}