Shaquille O'Neal was always recognized as a generational talent, but he may have never reached his peak without the guidance of Phil Jackson. The Xen Master's teachings emphasized discipline and focus on the court, helping 'Diesel' secure his place among basketball's all-time greats.
Interestingly, Phil's unique coaching approach went beyond the typical NBA teachings. Not only did it lead the 7'1" center to three NBA titles and Finals MVP honors, but it also helped him become a successful business investor and entrepreneur in his post-retirement days.
Shaq on how the teachings from Jackson helped him
Before Jackson's influence, O'Neal was definitely the most dominant center in the league, but he hadn't fully grasped that winning championships as the team's No. 1 player was crucial in solidifying his legacy. The Zen Master taught the 15-time All-Star center how to remain calm under pressure and approach challenges with rational thought, rather than acting impulsively.
In his interview with Forbes, the 2000 MVP reflected on how the head tactician's lessons played a pivotal role in his success as an entrepreneur, enabling him to use a positive mindset rather than panicking while making big financial decisions
"He always taught us to think positive and to see a maximization of your potential. For example, if I'm looking to open another 10 pizza stores, I'm thinking about not just the idea but realizing it in terms of the look and decor, putting in the neon lights and signs, and all the little things that makes it work and become super successful. And also - don't worry or think negative. If, say, one of your stores was flooded, you don't freak out about shutting down and losing business for two weeks, but you look for where the problem is to fix it," O'Neal said. "I think a lot of people go directly to panic mode."
Related: Julius Erving believes no player is similar to him in the modern NBA: "I was a small forward, but I really played like a power forward"
Jackson taught Shaq how to be patient
Throughout his 19-year NBA career, Shaq earned $286 million in salaries alone, but he quickly understood the importance of intelligent investing to grow his wealth. While his larger-than-life persona often saw him helping the community in various ways, it was Jackson's influence that enabled him to make strategic business decisions. This tendency of not spending his lucrative wealth recklessly allowed 'The Big Aristotle' to invest in major companies such as Google, Ring, and Lyft.
More impressively, the habit of staying calm and composed while making big financial decisions helped O'Neal to open successful ventures like Papa John's, 5 Guys, and Krispy Kreme.
"He always talked about facing the moment of truth, and when you face the moment of truth, then you act," the Hall of Famer concluded.
It's safe to say that while Shaq may have plenty of opportunities alongside some of the greatest players to maximize his potential, coach Phil gave him the greatest assists off the court.
Related: Shaq on the difference between Pat Riley and Phil Jackson: "In the long run, if you have a little more humor, you can get more done"