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Shaq Won’t Interview For The Magic GM Job, After All

It seems Orlando’s “drunk dude in the bar at 1:59 AM scanning the dance floor wildly for one last ditch effort” levels of desperation have proven unattractive to at least one Big Suitor. Former Magic center and current Inside the NBA studio ornament* Shaquille O’Neal won’t interview for the vacant general manager post after all. Which is good, since he’d have little to no clue what he was doing.

O’Neal released the following statement, which likely included very little input from Shaquille O’Neal:

“When I first heard about the vacancy for the Orlando Magic general manager position, I was clearly intrigued,” O’Neal said in a statement Thursday. “I was drafted by the Magic, I have a great love for the franchise, and I have made the city of Orlando my home. Additionally, I have great admiration and respect for the DeVos family.

“However, this is not a job I have an interest in pursuing. I feel very fortunate to be with TNT and to have the best job in sports. I look forward to many more years with Charles (Barkley), Kenny (Smith) and E.J. (Ernie Johnson). I wish the best for the Magic and I am confident that they will select a great GM and coach.”

Good move on Shaq’s part. Because he does have the best job in sports, is paid handsomely for it, and *he’s getting better at it. It would take a huge offer — say, partial ownership — and a less demanding job — say, one where he doesn’t have to do anything — for him to leave it. A cushy “President of Basketball Operations” gig somewhere would make sense.

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