Shaq Wants Hakeem To Know He Thinks It Pays To Advertise

Shaquille O’Neal, in a declaration straight out of a pro wrestling script, says he wants Hakeem Olajuwon.

Two weeks after being swept in the NBA Finals by Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets, O’Neal has turned from rebounding to copy writing.

In a two-sentence letter, printed as a full-page ad in the Monday sports sections of newspapers including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Orlando Sentinel, Houston Chronicle and USA Today, the Orlando Magic center insists he is not through with Olajuwon.

The letter reads: “Hakeem - The series may be a done deal, but it ain’t over between you and me. Sure, you’re pretty good with your team behind you, but I want you one on one.”

The letter ends with O’Neal’s signature - “Shaq.”

It was not immediately clear whether O’Neal or one of his sponsors paid for the ad, or whether Olajuwon was a participant. A spokeswoman for The New York Times on Sunday night said she had not seen the ad and did not know how much it cost.

Olajuwon, the MVP of the finals, averaged 32.8 points and 11.5 rebounds during the championship round in helping the Rockets to their second straight title.