The New York Knicks have had many legendary players who have worn their uniform. And it seems Shaquille O’Neal seriously considered joining the franchise during his prime. But there was one major reason why he passed on heading to Gotham.

O’Neal will go down as one of the greatest big men in NBA history. He was an absolutely dominant force for much of his 19-year career that saw him suit up for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat. The peak period of his career came in LA, where he won three of his four titles. However, tension between him and Kobe Bryant led to his exit in 2004.

Well, it seems that when he was looking for his next team, the Knicks were a serious contender, according to the Basketball Hall of Famer. But one major issue with the city made him pass on the opportunity.

“Confession. After I left the Lakers, the Knicks were a contender. But I turned them down because I like driving,” O’Neal said this week on his “The Big Podcast.” “And you can’t drive in New York. You can’t drive. I got two big trucks that’ll get tore off in New York. You can’t park them nowhere.”

Shaquille O’Neal stats (Career): 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.3 SPG Credit: H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY via Ima

The topic came up during a conversation with Knicks alum Zach Randolph, who claimed he hated living in New York due to how expensive it was.

O’Neal would go on to earn four more trips to the All-Star game after leaving LA, and win his final ‘chip in Miami in 2006. So, if the Knicks had landed him, they would have gotten the NBA legend with some big seasons left in him. It also would have given him a chance at a reunion with old Magic teammate Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, who was on the team that season.

The combination of Shaquille O’Neal and prime Stephon Marbury would have been formidable in the East at that time. Alas, Knicks fans never got the chance to see “The Big Aristotle” wear a NYK uni during his career.

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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos