NBA and NBL star Nathan Jawai hated being compared to Lakers and Heat legend ...
Indigenous NBA star billed as Outback Shaq for his similarities to Shaquille O'Neal reveals why he HATES the nickname and how he almost DIED on court from a mystery health condition Nathan Jawai was given various monikers while playing for the Toronto Raptors The 34-year-old was nicknamed 'Outback Shaq' during his two years in the NBA Jawai has said he hated the nickname as it didn't reflect him as an Australian The current Cairns Marlins player also suffers from an irregular heartbeat
View
comments
Australian basketball star Nathan Jawai has revealed his true feelings towards his colouful nickname and how he feared he would die on court.
Jawai, 34, was the first Indigenous basketballer to play in the NBA and for the Australian Boomers.
He was dubbed 'Outback Shaq' while playing for the Toronto Raptors in his debut season in 2008 after former LA Lakers, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat legend Shaquille O'Neal.
Jawai, a Torres Strait Islander who was a fan favourite for the Cairns Taipans in the NBL, says there was one aspect of his stint in the elite league he disliked.
Jawai (pictured) suffered a number of life-threating injuries including an irregular heartbeat and damage to arteries around his head and neck
