Shaquille O’Neal can’t handle Gradey Dick

Gradey Dick is now deep into his second NBA season with the Toronto Raptors, but Shaquille O’Neal still can’t handle hearing his name.

Earlier this season, O’Neal lost it on Inside the NBA after Charles Barkley refused to say “Dick” during a Raptors highlight package. And Tuesday night, he lost it again when Candace Parker said “Dick” during a Raptors highlight package.

As Vince Carter said “Gradey” proudly while watching the Raptors guard hit a fourth quarter three against the New York Knicks, Parker chimed in with “Dick,” drawing some pause from the studio, despite it being his last name.

Shaq still isn’t used to hearing Gradey Dick’s name pic.twitter.com/vwSQZWfoQ5

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 5, 2025

It may have been completely appropriate, but Shaq just could not handle hearing Parker say “Dick” on live TV. “What’s his name?” O’Neal kept asking Parker while laughing.

Last season, it was New Orleans Pelicans analyst Antonio Daniels who couldn’t handle hearing “Dick” on the broadcast, urging play-by-play voice Joel Myers to just call him “Gradey.” Shaq, however, seems like he wants people to keep saying his name. Shaq might not be able to keep a straight face when he hears “Dick,” but he keeps begging for more.

The good news for O’Neal is that Dick is turning into a very solid player. And with Inside the NBA destined to live on through a licensing agreement with ESPN next season, he should get ample opportunities to hear about Dick on live TV.