The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EventsLifestyleSportsThe Latest

American Express Teamed Up Shaq And Alonzo Mourning To Talk the 2017 NBA Draft

by Ethan Singh June 24, 2017
by Ethan Singh June 24, 2017 0 comments
4.1K

The two legends who went 1 and 2 in the 1992 NBA draft gave their take on this year’s draft and the current state of the NBA

When it comes to the long list of legendary big men of the NBA, Shaq and Alonzo Mourning are certainly two of the more prominent names that come to mind. They were two dominant forces from the moment they entered the NBA and bitter rivals for the first 14 years of their career. All that changed when they joined forces on the Miami Heat and became World Champions together in 2006. American Express managed to get the once rivals and now best friends together again, but this time to discuss the 2017 draft. 25 years ago, they joined the NBA when they were drafted 1 and 2 and now they share their take on how nerve wracking draft day was for them along with some great stories you don’t hear very often, such as how Shaq managed to spend a million dollars in less than 30 minutes days before the draft, and why Alonzo feels he should’ve been Rookie of the Year. Not to mention the one off story Shaq mentioned in passing about the time he wanted to buy a pair of Toms shoes, but they would only make them in his size if he had a substantial order, so he ordered a 1000 pairs of the shoes. One thing that they both managed to agree on is their opinion of Dream Team II being the best Olympic. With all of that, they managed to discuss their opinions on the current NBA, especially after the Finals and the first “true super team”.

Check out the interview below:

Let’s talk a little bit about what just happened in the NBA Finals. For three consecutive years, two teams face off for the NBA Championship. What stood out to you about the Warriors’ second championship in two years? 

Shaq: Golden State won 73 games, and when you add a guy like Kevin Durant whose averaging 30, but even if he was averaging 20, they were still probably going to win. Series can always go either way. I always say to people, if Kyle Korver were to hit a couple of those shots that he missed, the series would’ve been 2-2, and it probably would’ve been different. Golden State, when you got 4 guys on the court and they’re not really role players but stars. It’s the first time in my opinion that a superstar joined a team that was already established. We put a lot of pressure on these kids to win, especially us in the media, and he did the right thing and he made a good choice. They embraced him, they made him a leader, and he was the finals MVP and he got it done. The way their team is comprised, they’re going to be around for a while. They play a great style of basketball that looks pretty and makes the old style look bad, with all of the iso.

Their Golden State Warriors versus your Lakers. Can they deal with you? 

Shaq: No. I would instruct Derek and Kobe, make those guys drive and instead of focusing on scoring in the first quarter, I’d focus on touching those guys up, letting them know. Then I’d sit out and let Kobe do his thing, then I’d be upset with myself and just try to score 15 quick points to get back on track – (laughter) – and then-

Alonzo: Listen to how easy he makes it sound.

Shaq: And then if I get the ball and I turn around and Draymond Green is guarding me, I’m a be like, clear out. That’s barbecue chicken.

I actually read this and I’m curious to know if it’s true, you were terrified before the draft. Terrified of what? 

Shaq: Of them picking him [Alonzo Mourning] number 1.

You wanted to go one? 

Shaq: Well everyone was just telling that I was going number one and I kept hearing it, so what if they wanted to go defense then I would’ve be number two.

This draft is certainly highly regarded. Do you guys think that they can live up to the hype they have received. 

Alonzo: I do, and I think you got to give these kids a chance. The game is different from when we played, number one. When you think about these young kids, they coming in with a certain skill level that if developed a right way, they can carry that torch.

If you had one piece of advice you can give these men, what would you say? 

Shaq: I would say enjoy the moment. Whoever picks you, it’s time to become a consummate professional. Work on you craft. Work on yourself. Better yourself. Save your money. Make them remember your name, cause as a youngster my mother always told me “Make them remember Shaquille O’Neal”. I came in and I was like “How am I going to measure up against those guys?” I had to find my niche.

Alonzo: My one piece of advice is first of all, the game is temporary, it’s not forever. There’s no guarantee how long you’re going to play. Play each game, live each moment like it’s your last, cause it could be. That’s how i approached the game. I played it like it was my last game and I prepared like hell, cause I knew the next game and the next game and the next game, I had to prepare. You have to keep trying to figure out how to get better and I learned that from the greats. I learned that from Michael, I learned that from Patrick, I learned that from Robinson and Olajuwon and that was motivation for me.

Alonzo MourningAmerican ExpressCleveland CavilersDraftDraymond GreenGolden State WarriorsKevin DurantLeBron JamesNBA Draft 2017ShaqStephen Curry
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Ethan Singh

previous post
Faith Evans Celebrates 20 Years of B.I.G. and the Release of ‘The King & I’
next post
Exclusive: Michael Bonfiglio on his New Documentary ‘From the Ashes’

Related Posts

Lady London Opens Up About Growth, Grief, and...

October 11, 2025

CIX Get Real About “GO Chapter 1: GO...

October 10, 2025

Libra Season at Limusina

October 10, 2025

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too with...

October 10, 2025

Lil Jon Brings His Signature Crunk Energy to...

October 10, 2025

Amazónico Makes Its U.S. Debut in Miami With...

October 10, 2025

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort Reopens with...

October 9, 2025

We Talk to the Cast and Writers of...

October 9, 2025

Netflix’s “Jay Kelly” Movie Premiere at the New...

October 9, 2025

A Symphony in Sixteen Courses at Enso Omakase

October 9, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Visit the @Complex x @Aepsa_official Pop-Up for ‘Rich Man’ in LA with The Knockturnal! ✨

From exclusive merch and photo cards to signatures and more — ~ 100% worth the visit 

⏰ Sept 16–17 | 11 AM – 7 PM PT
📍 433 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles

#Aespa #Complex #RichMan #KPopMerch #AespaInLA #KPopFans #Kpop #Karina #Giselle #Winter #NingNing
NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet tr NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet transformed the runway into a dazzling celebration of bold prints, playful silhouettes, and timeless style. From Surrogate’s Court to the city streets, the collection truly captured the spirit of the modern woman. 💄

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stars-stripes-and-alice-olivia-by-stacey-bendet/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor

-
#NYFW #AliceAndOlivia #StaceyBendet #RunwayStyle #FashionWeek
Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cook Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cookies, Oreos & a cold glass of milk… and @nickbarrotta on the red carpet celebrating 30 years of the iconic milk mustache. 🥛🍪

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #GotMilk #NickBarrotta #TylerPerrysTheOval #MilkMustache
On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferg On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferguson spoke with us at the @gotmilk 30th Anniversary Milk Mustache Celebration, where the campaign unveiled its bold new focus on everyday Californians as the real icons. 🥛✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #PriahFerguson #StrangerThings #MilkMustache #RedCarpet #GotMilk
First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turn First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turning the spotlight on breakout stars and fresh wins. 🎬🥇✨

Read about the rising talent redefining televisions biggest night.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/emmy-awards/

✍️: Danielle Biondi

-
#Emmys #Emmy #EmmyAwards #Emmys2025 #EmmyWinner #Film #AwardWinning #AwardSeason
We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with @bacardi and @mtv! 💫
History met history last night 🗽🎬✨ The Ha History met history last night 🗽🎬✨

The Hamilton movie premiere transformed the Delacorte Theater into a stage of its own, as the original cast and creative team reunited to celebrate a story that changed Broadway forever. From the first note to the final bow, the revolution continues. 🎭📜

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/under-the-stars-at-the-delacorte-theater-hamilton-premiere-original-cast-in-attendance/

✍️: Lauren Wire

-
#Hamilton #Broadway #HamiltonMovie #DelacorteTheater #LinManuelMiranda #BroadwayLegends #StageToScreen #MusicalTheater
✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @dis ✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @disneyfamily x @lalalandkindcafe are serving up the sweetest collab of the season — from Mickey drink sleeves to Munchlings surprises 🎁 Don’t miss it before it’s gone Sept. 16!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/mickey-friends-bring-whimsy-to-la-la-land-kind-cafe/

✍️: Ashley Lopez 

-
#Disney #LaLaLandKindCafe #DisneyCollab #DisneyMagic #CoffeeLovers #MickeyAndFriends #DisneyFoodies
From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan ev From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan everlasting impact, the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards celebrated the artists and executives shaping the culture today. 🎤🎸💥

With honorees like @leonthomas and @gelo alongside hip-hop’s legends, the night was a reminder that the genre’s future is just as powerful as its past. 🤩

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cardi-b-leon-thomas-gelo-wu-tang-clan-more-honored-at-2025-billboard-rb-hip-hop-power-players-awards/

✍️: Nishat Baig

-
#Billboard #RnB #HipHop #PowerPlayers #CardiB #WuTangClan #LeonThomas #Gelo #RnBMusic #HipHopCulture #MusicAwards
PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this tim PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this time it’s for tickets to see LU KALA 💥

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see her at Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 10th! Join us as we dance the night away to some of her top hits like Pretty Girl Era and Hotter Now 🎶

To enter hit the link 🔗 in our bio and fill out the form. Winners will be contacted through email! 

📍MUST BE IN NEW YORK CITY
🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. 👏

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/kai-on/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-

#KaiOnTour #KAI #KAIatTheShrine #KpopInLA #EXO #KpopSoloist #KpopConcert #KAI2025 #ShrineLA
🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with 🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with “The Paper” — the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. 🖋️ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

📺 Watch the full interview now 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/the-paper-puts-a-newsroom-spin-on-classic-workplace-comedy/

✍️: Alyssa Threadgill

-

#ThePaper #VideoInterview #WorkplaceComedy #BehindTheScenes #IndieTV #ComedySeries #CastInterview #OnSet #TVTalk #MakingTheShow #WritersRoom #BTS #NewSeries
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch