Superman My Ass

Will the real Superman please stand up - For years now, NBA super star Shaquille O'Neal has been known by a number of different aliases throughout his career. Shaq, The Big Shaqtus, Shaq Diesel and Superman are all monikers the former NBA MVP has gone by. He even has a 'Superman' tattoo to prove it. However, a rising star by the name of Dwight Howard has also recently been dubbed the nickname "Superman", most notably for the show he put on during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest in 2008. Prior to one of his dunk attempts, the 7-footer put on a cape from a Superman costume and revealed a shirt with the iconic Superman "S" logo from under his jersey. Although he threw the ball in instead of dunking it, he still went on to be crowned the Slam Dunk winner and has since been referred to as 'Superman'.

Following Thursday night's 115-106 win over the defending Eastern Conference Champion Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal was a bit angered that he was getting doubled-teamed, even after not doubling up on Howard. In a post-game interview, Shaq had a few unfriendly words to say regarding the newly named 'Superman'. "Superman my ass. When I was coming up and there was Ewing and Hakeem, I never doubled anybody. You tell me who the real Superman is. Don’t compare me to anybody. I’d rather not be mentioned. I’m offended. Hakeem, Ewing, Rik Smits, Duncan, Robinson, the best of the best, straight up. I never doubled nobody.”

Dwight on the other hand says he doesn't want any beef with the 18-year veteran and I can't blame him. On Saturday night, Howard was on hand in Dallas to help commentate the All-Star events alongside the cast of TNT's 'Inside the NBA'. & With Charles Barkley behind the mic, you already knew trouble was brewing. Prior to the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge, Barkley tried instigating the incident by asking Howard what he was going to do about it, hoping to add fuel to the fire. Howard simply responded, "I'm not going to do anything, Shaq's like 50 years old." Howard also said he didn't know anyone referred to Shaq as 'Superman' and said he'll change his nickname.

If you ask me, I think Shaq's just trying to get to Dwight's head, hoping to create mind games. Mind games that would effect what looks to be a preview and rematch of the Eastern Conference Finals. When the two teams faced off last year in the playoffs, the Cavs were unable to contain the talented Howard with the likes of Anderson Varejao and Big Z. But with the addition of Shaq during this past offseason, the team addressed the one position they needed most help in, in hopes of keeping Dwight Howard to a minimum. Using Shaq as a weapon both physically and psychologically could be the deciding factor come playoff time. However, it's unlikely that the 24 year old will let any further comments effect him like this one has.

As far as the nickname goes, I think it's all gone too far. & As dominant of a player Shaq was during his earlier years with the Lakers, it's pretty clear that 'Superman' has found his 'Kryptonite', and that is his age. With that being said, I think it's time to pass the torch. Who do you think dons the cape?