NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently caused waves in the NBA by telling Donovan Mitchell on air that he does not believe the Utah Jazz star has what it takes to make it to the next level.
Some big names in the league, such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, complained that former players are criticizing those who play today.
Shaq has responded to those calling him out for criticising young players by standing his ground. Most recently, the four-time NBA champion was a guest on the Dan Patrick Show where he again defended his position.
“A lot of people right now are ‘Oh you’re too hard on the youngsters.’ I’m just doing what was done to me,” O’Neal said. “I remember when I was averaging 30-35 in that way but we always get swept. The great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said ‘Hey, he hasn’t won a championship yet.’ Did I whine? Did I cry? Did I complain on social media? No, I didn’t say anything because Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had G-14 classification to say that. Am I going to have a dispute with the greatest NBA player ever?
“So when he said that when he gave me constructive criticism, I took it and I listened and I brought my game to another level. So these guys now they’re pudding pops. You say something about them… that’s what they are.”
