AJ McLean says Backstreet Boys not signing Shaq was ‘right decision’

The Backstreet Boys made the “right decision” by not signing Shaquille O’Neal in the past…or so it says AJ McLeanwho tells TMZ Sports While he loves the NBA legend, he doubts they would have the same success if they had struck a deal with him.

It’s a wild story, but 100% true — both BSB and *NSYNC used Shaq’s Orlando studio to record some of their earliest music when he was a member of the Magic in the ’90s… and O’Neal has openly expressed his regret about not taking the opportunity to work with the boy bands in an official capacity.

We recently spoke with AJ… and asked a good old “what if?”

It’s safe to say that both groups were doing just fine… and AJ couldn’t help but wonder what things would have turned out if they had joined forces with the Hall of Famer – and whether they would still be one of the most iconic groups to ever pick up the mic.

“I have no disrespect for Shaq because I love him dearly, but I don’t think we would necessarily be where we are right now,” he said.

AJ noted that everything Shaq touches off the court turns to gold, as the big man has an extensive and lucrative business portfolio… but this is one that all worked out in the end.

“I think we may have made the right decision,” AJ added.

It’s interesting… because *NSYNC member Lance Bass told us a few years ago that he wished Shaq had been part of their team…even though he couldn’t have boxed Lou Parelman whole.