Was Shaq Reluctant in Handing off the Torch to Dwight Howard?

Shaquille O'Neal revolutionized the center position.

What was once a finesse-style player that focused on rebounds and blocks, is now a strong, thunderous dynamo.

Shaq was a power-player that was never afraid to get inside and throw down. He used his size to back-down defenders. Strength became a key role in his success, and at the time, very few were as strong in the NBA.

He based a very successful career on these principals and launched the evolution of the NBA center.

He won four titles and three Finals MVP trophies (plus a single regular-season MVP trophy). He played for a total of six teams respectively: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.

And then there was Dwight Howard.

Dwight Howard is the best center in the league. There's no doubt about it.

He has a similar playstyle to Shaq, but has more athleticism than O'Neal ever did.

Shaq, even in his older age, was relentless in criticizing the young Howard, calling him a mere copy of himself and saying that all the things Howard is doing, he himself did back in the 90's.

So, because of an over-zealous competitive spirit, did Shaq stay in the league to keep up with Howard? Maybe.

Did Shaq's ego keep him from retirement? Probably.

Was Shaq reluctant in giving Howard the official honors of "league's most dominant center?" Positively, yes.