Shaquille O’Neal says his surprising resolution to seem in Blue Chips not solely earned him $3 million but additionally performed an vital function in bringing Penny Hardaway to the Orlando Magic.
O’Neal had no plans to pursue performing when he was approached concerning the basketball film. His curiosity modified as soon as he realized how a lot he can be paid and that the function would largely contain taking part in basketball.
“I by no means wished to be an actor. I by no means wished to be a rapper. However I’m sitting within the 4 Seasons Lodge, a man says, ‘Hey man, I’m a Hollywood producer. Right here’s my card. I’m doing a film known as Blue Chips. I feel it’s best to do it.’ I say, ‘I’ve by no means acted in my life.’ He mentioned, ‘All you’ve received to do is play basketball, play your self.’ I’m like, ‘Nah.’ He mentioned, ‘We’re going to present you $3 million.’ I mentioned, ‘I’ll do it. You’ve received to make me a court docket so I can work out.’”
Whereas engaged on the movie, O’Neal encountered Hardaway and was instantly impressed by the younger guard’s skill to create alternatives for him. Initially, O’Neal didn’t even notice Hardaway was a extremely regarded NBA prospect.
“This skinny child, this motherfucker was diming me up like Magic. I don’t know who he’s as a result of I don’t be taking note of the younger cats. So I’m pondering he’s an actor. Lastly, I say, ‘Man, who’s this?’ They are saying, ‘Yo, man, that’s Penny Hardaway.’ I mentioned, ‘Is he an actor.’ He mentioned, ‘No, they suppose he going to be the quantity two or quantity three choose.’”
The expertise satisfied O’Neal that he wished Hardaway alongside him in Orlando. When the Magic secured the highest choose, O’Neal says he pressured the group to discover a option to purchase him.
“So I’ve received this in my head. My first main transfer was once I discovered we received the ball. If y’all don’t get this Penny dude, I’m going to be seeking to do one thing else. The draft comes, they draft C-Webb. Now I’m pissed. I’m tearing my home up, breaking mirrors, breaking trophies. Then they do the swap.”
Orlando initially chosen Chris Webber earlier than finishing the draft-night commerce that introduced Hardaway to the Magic. What started as a $3 million film alternative in the end launched O’Neal to the guard he wished as his NBA teammate.
