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One sort of Phoenix Suns Hall of Famer has a tip for a bonafide, surefire, future Suns Hall of Famer. Pave your own way.
That’s the advice that Shaquille O’Neal is passing along to 2018 number one overall pick and probable Rookie of the Year winner, Deandre Ayton.
On the latest episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, the man who scored 1,695 of his 28,596 points in a Suns uniform expressed that he hopes Ayton eclipses the accomplishments of The Big Aristotle.
.@SHAQ says on The Big Podcast he keeps hearing @DeandreAyton will become the next Shaq, but instead he should become the first Ayton by breaking all of his records.
— PodcastOneSportsNet (@PC1Sportsnet) September 24, 2018
Listen to the newest @Shaqcast here: https://t.co/flfb1sCxGU pic.twitter.com/Kf0AbJSBrm
“I keep hearing that this Ayton guy can be the next Shaq. My advice to Ayton is don’t be the next Shaq, be the first Ayton. I wish you well. I hope you break all my records.”
I like that plan. Since you’re curious, Shaq averaged 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds in his first NBA season. He was named Rookie of the Year and made his first of 15 All-Star Game appearances. Sounds like a good place to start for Ayton.