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🏀 How Shaq Built a Financial Empire

🏀 How Shaq Built a Financial Empire

Chris Lesiak
September 23, 2022

Ime Udoka looking at season-long suspension, Detroit snags Bojan Bogdanovic ahead of Lakers, and how Shaq amassed his $450M net worth.

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IME UDOKA

Ime Udoka Looking at Season-Long Suspension

Fresh off a very successful first season as a head coach, where he led the Celtics to the NBA Finals, Ime Udoka could face a year-long suspension. Udoka reportedly violated the organization’s guidelines by having "an improper intimate and consensual relationship with a female member of the team staff." Additionally, Udoka has publicly been in a relationship with actress Nia Long since 2010.

Coaching suspensions are a rarity in the NBA, and one of this magnitude is certainly unprecedented. While this suspension appears to be coming from the Celtics organization and not the league, according to Woj, Udoka's job isn't believed to be in jeopardy at this time.

Udoka is just the fifth coach in the past 25 years to reach the NBA Finals in their first season as a head coach and the first since 2019. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Udoka is also the first rookie coach to win multiple Game 7s in their first postseason. Assistant coach Joe Mazzulla is expected to act as interim head coach for this upcoming season.

BOJAN BOGDANOVIC

Detroit Snags Bojan Bogdanovic Ahead of Lakers

The Jazz took another step toward their rebuild, trading Bojan Bogdanovic to the Detroit Pistons for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee. Bogdanovic was Utah’s second-leading scorer last season, averaging over 18 PPG and 38% from three.

For Detroit, this move makes a lot of sense. They get a reliable scorer and veteran presence to join their exciting young core of Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Jaden Ivey, Marvin Bagley III, and Isaiah Stewart. Also, by trading Lee, they opened up more minutes for promising rookie Jalen Duren.

Utah’s return for Bogdanovic is a little underwhelming as previous reports suggested the Jazz were looking for a first-round pick. This move also takes one of the Lakers' top trade targets off the board. It’s likely LA couldn’t afford to part with a pick, as they’ll need both if they decide to change course and trade Westbrook down the line.

SHAQ

How Shaq Amassed his $450M Net Worth

Studies show that approximately 60-65% of NBA players go broke within the first five years of retirement, but Shaquille O’Neal is definitely not one of them. In addition to his impressive career earnings, Shaq has built a massive financial empire through franchises, investments, and endorsements.

His impressive franchise resume includes 9 Papa John's, 1 Krispy Kreme, 1 Big Chicken, 17 Auntie Anne’s, and at one point, 155 Five Guys. He also reportedly owns 150 car washes, 40 fitness centers, a movie theater, a shopping mall, and several nightclubs in Vegas.

As an investor, Shaq’s resume is legendary. He bought Apple stock in the 90s and was an early investor in Google. Last, but certainly not least, he’s one of the most marketable stars in NBA history. Shaq's been the face of major brands like Papa John’s, IcyHot, Buick, The General, Macy's, Zales, Arizona Beverage Co, Carnival Cruise, and more.