Matching 30 Marvel Cinematic Universe characters with each NBA team
By Mark Lynch
Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic drafted a player who would one day be looked at as the most dominant big man of all time. Possibly the most dominant NBA player period. Shaquille O’Neal came into the league and immediately became a brand. Everyone loved his smile, personality, and his antics. More importantly, the dunks. The logo of him hanging on the rim remained iconic years after he retired.
The Magic had another dominant center who also used the Superman moniker. His name was Dwight Howard. While he may not have had the kind of commanding force in the paint that Shaq had, Dwight was no slouch. Like Shaq, he led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals. Shaq and Dwight can say that they beat teams with all-time greats. Shaq beat Jordan and the Bulls and Dwight beat LeBron and the Cavs.
Hulk
Shaq and the Hulk have a few things in common. The obvious part is being unstoppable. When Shaq got the ball in the paint, you had three options. Foul him, get dunked on, or move out of the way. When the Hulk goes on a rampage, you have three options as well. Move, run, or hide. Sometimes those options don’t work.
Both Shaq and the Hulk are loved by the public. The Hulk became a smash (pun intended) hit after The Avengers. Shaq became a worldwide hit after he smashed a backboard his rookie year. Lastly, they’re both doctors. Shaquille O’Neal received his doctoral degree in education from Barry University in 2012. Just like Bruce Banner, Shaq isn’t just brawn. He has brains too.