Memo To Miami Heat’s Ricky Davis: Get Shaquille O’Neal The Ball, Get New Contract

Shaquille O’Neal is making promises to new teammate Ricky Davis:

’I already called him (Davis) on the phone and told him, `You get me the ball and I’m going to get you a new contract,’ ’’ O’Neal said. ( Miami Herald)

My Quick Take: Truer words have never been spoken by the Diesel.  Playing with Shaq can be a financially rewarding experience-just ask journeyman Damon Jones, who inked a four year, 16 million dollar contract after spending one season in Miami.

Davis, in the final year of his contract, is set to cash-in as the third option in South Beach. All Slick Rick has to do, in the words of Keyshawn Johnson, is get Shaq the damn ball.

But Davis is different because he has talent. Several of O’Neal’s former teammates have ridden his coattails to the bank-literally. Here are five players who scored nice contracts after balling with Shaq.

#5) Jason Kapono

Time With Shaq: two seasons, 2005-2007.

The Payoff: With defenses collapsing on Shaq, Kapono set-up shop beyond the arc and led the NBA in three-point shooting last year. Over the summer, Kapono left Miami and inked a 24 million dollar contract with Toronto.

#4) Tyronn Lue

Time With Shaq: three seasons, 1998-2001.

The Payoff: Lue, a back-up point guard, translated his run with Shaq into a ten million dollar contract. The speedy point guard is currently buried on Atlanta’s bench.

#3) Mark Madsen

Time With Shaq: three seasons, 2000-2003.

The Payoff: Known for single-handedly proving white men can’t dance; Madsen left L.A. and signed a three year, four million dollar contract with Minnesota. Right now, Madsen is rehabbing his arm after a summer jet-skiing injury.

#2) Brain Shaw

Time With Shaq: seven seasons, 1995-1997 & 1999-2003.

The Payoff: Shaw, a nice player, extended the backend of his career by forging a bond with Shaq. The two even had a special play-an alley-oop called the Shaw-Shaq redemption.

#1) Damon Jones

Time With Shaq: one season, 2004-05.

The Payoff: Jones departed Miami after one so-so season and signed a four year, 16 million dollar contract with Cleveland. The self-proclaimed best dresser in the NBA spent last year chained to the Cavaliers’ bench.

What NBA player owes Shaq the biggest royalty check? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

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