words & images_Nick DePaula
You’re probably wondering why you didn’t see this post on Friday in flashback form, but the truth is I didn’t want to jinx the Magic and went with a different Reebok sneaker instead. As you surely know, last night the Orlando Magic sent King James and the Cleveland Cavaliers home quite a bit earlier than most predicted, and it was the inside presence of Dwight Howard that anchored their defense and freed up shooters on the perimeter all series long. With the Magic heading to the NBA Finals for the second time in franchise history, it’s been fourteen years since another inside presence led the team that far.
When he wasn’t starring in hit movies or dropping albums (Confession: Shaq Diesel was the first CD I bought with my own money….), Shaquille O’Neal was kicking off what some would call one of the most dominant careers in NBA history. Alongside Penny Hardaway, Shaq carried a young franchise in the Magic all the way to the NBA Finals in 1995, and just like Dwight, he had an infectious smile that allowed him to become one of the most marketable big men of all time.
Early on in his career, while with Reebok, Shaq’s shoe line was known for its bold lines, and the Shaq Attaq I, worn during his rookie year, remains a classic even after all these years. With metallic hits of Orlando’s bright blue along the collar and tongue, the Shaq Attaq I incorporated Reebok’s PUMP system and helped the Diesel beast through his first year en route to winning Rookie Of The Year honors. The pair pictured below is actually in Shaq’s size, and you’ll find a wallpaper including a special Rookie Of The Year action figure (not a toy!) towards the end, just as I have the two displayed at my spot together.
Wallpaper — Click to enlarge!
May 31st, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Cool stuff. Thx Nick..
May 31st, 2009 at 11:20 pm
These are sick. Would cop if retroed.
May 31st, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Deez is hot…
Do u have a pair of the Shaqnosis’ Nick?
You would think that Reebok would’ve brought such innovation into today’s sneaker game…guess not…
May 31st, 2009 at 11:28 pm
^ 2 pairs! You know I’m bustin’ those out on Thursday!
And for those wondering…Shaq said he’s rootin for the Lakeshow in the Finals. Can’t blame him I guess.
June 1st, 2009 at 12:42 am
got these and orlando taking it i got money on them
June 1st, 2009 at 2:36 am
These are SWEET, they were so expensive over here when they came out, I couldn’t afford them
, they were more expensive then Jordan’s.
And…..Orlando will win it all, I’m even gonna say easily.
June 1st, 2009 at 3:45 am
I used to have that toy!
June 1st, 2009 at 10:54 am
these go in .
i dont rock wit reebok;; but i can make an exception
June 1st, 2009 at 2:26 pm
I actually remember having these as a kid. If I recall, I might still have them laying around somewhere. But these are definitely nice.
HoH Exclusives? Hahahaha.
June 1st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Ooooooooooh i need these so bad. These and the Shaqnosis are one of my favorite non-Jordan shoes… I still have the Shaqnosis, nevermind that they are ruined … Actually Shaqnosis was super comfortable and supportive shoe, which I prefered play in even to Jordan X at the time.
June 1st, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Man dem shits look like some Shine’E ass Jordan 07. Swagger Jacker?
Yall cant talk about Kobe Jock’n Jordan. Look at Shaq symbol. Kobe aint do that shit!DEm shoe’Z fuck ugly. The only thing good about them is the pump. Get Real all yall wack. (Kobe) / the Lakers 09 Champions. Fuck Shaq. A somebody Throw some Powder on LeBron fuck’n Face!!!!!!He on it? I would’nt even cut grass in AJ7shaqS! Not a !!!Hood Classic!!!
June 1st, 2009 at 10:19 pm
i had the black joints in.. 5th grade?
too bad they’ll never retro in true form.
June 3rd, 2009 at 4:04 pm
are these gonna be at jcpenny and payless like the rest of shaqs shoes?