Draymond Green and Shaquille O’Neal’s playful four-ring handshake, known among NBA fans, was created as a lighthearted way to poke fun at Charles Barkley. The handshake gained attention during Green’s appearances on TNT’s Inside the NBA, where the two expressions of camaraderie also carry a humorous jab. This handshake celebrates each player’s championship successes while highlighting Barkley’s famously ring-less NBA career.
On a recent episode of
The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis,
Green revealed how the gesture came about. He explained that it was designed specifically to roast Barkley, while emphasizing Barkley’s good-natured attitude towards the joke.
“It was always to pick on Charles [Barkley]… it’s so fun picking on Charles,”
Green said.
“And Chuck’s such a good sport about everything and funny as hell.”
How the Handshake Reflects Championship Success
The handshake idea took root around the time Draymond Green began his role on Inside the NBA during the 2021-22 season. Shaquille O’Neal, celebrating four NBA championship rings — three with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat — started a playful tradition of asking his analyst cohosts how many rings they had.
Kenny Smith shared that he earned two titles with the Houston Rockets, followed by Green, who had three rings at the time. Green later added a fourth championship after the Golden State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in six games, which finalized the four-ring handshake gesture.
“That’s just kind of how it came about,”
Green explained.
“Me and Shaq throwing up our fours… so that’s our thing, you know. Four rings, baby.”
Respect for Barkley and the TNT Team
While the handshake playfully targets Barkley, Green’s co-host Baron Davis defended Barkley, referring to him as a legend who deserves respect, emphasizing the analysts should stop singling him out for having no rings.
Green also expressed appreciation for Barkley and his colleagues on the TNT panel.
“Chuck’s one of the best, though, man,”
Green said.
“I’ve been so fortunate to be around those guys, talk basketball with those guys. I’m extremely grateful.”
Significance and Future of the Handshake
The four-ring handshake between Draymond Green and Shaquille O’Neal has become a popular feature on Inside the NBA, symbolizing championship success and friendly banter among NBA legends and analysts. It continues to highlight the mix of respect and humor shared among the group, especially involving the legendary yet ring-less Charles Barkley.
As Green continues his career and his role on the show, this handshake serves as a memorable inside joke that connects players and audiences alike, emphasizing camaraderie in the basketball community.