Shaquille O'Neal makes shocking confession on NBA draft rigging conspiracy theories amid Cooper Flagg drama

In the 1992 NBA draft, Shaquille O'Neal found himself selected No. 1 overall by the Orlando Magic. Following recent conspiracy theories regarding the lottery, the Hall of Fame big man brought up an old story from when he was getting ready to enter the pros.

This year, the Dallas Mavericks made a historic leap to the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. Now, months removed from trading Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers, they are primed to land a new franchise cornerstone in Cooper Flagg. Seeing that Dallas had just a 1.8% chance of the top pick, many have argued that the results were rigged.

During a recent interview with Ashley Nevel, Shaquille O'Neal added some fuel to the fire regarding these brash theories. Prior to being drafted, he said he spoke with then-commissioner David Stern about what kind of weather he wanted to play in. After saying he wanted to be somewhere warm, the Magic just so happened to win the lottery.

"He pulled me to the side, you want to play where it's cold or where it's hot," O'Neal said. "I was like hot, he smiled and I smiled. Then a couple days later they have the draft thing."

"Orlando, Florida No. 1. I didn't think anything of it, but you hear a lot of these conspiracy theories."

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Shaquille O'Neal has long bought into NBA conspiracy theories

Speaking on the draft lottery is not the first time Shaquille O'Neal has dipped into NBA conspiracy theories. He's touched on multiple occasions where he's opened his mind to the idea of things being fixed.

During an episode of his The Big Podcast last year, Shaq reflected on a conversation he overheard Phil Jackson have during the 2000 playoffs. At the time, the LA Lakers were trying to secure a title with their duo of Shaq and Kobe Bryant.

Though it was unknown who they'd be seeing in the end, Jackson wanted hotels secured in Indiana for when the finals would be taking place. A few weeks later, the Lakers found themselves squaring off against the Pacers on the game's biggest stage.

"I've never told this story," Shaq said. "In the first round, first championship, I forget what game we were playing. I hear Phil Jackson tell Gary Viti hey get us some hotels in Indiana, cause that's who we're gonna play in the finals."

"It didn't hit me until we got to Indiana."

It is worth noting that this could just be a mere coincidence. The Pacers were the No. 1 seed in the East that year, so them reaching the finals was far from shocking. Teams have plans ready for multiple scenarios, especially when it comes to something incredibly important like the finals.

Shaquille O'Neal could have merely heard one part of what could have been numerous different conversations. Nonetheless, the Lakers legend is never quick to shoot down any conspiracy theories regarding the league.