Shaquille O’Neal is a name that resonates not only in the world of basketball but also in Hollywood. Known for his larger-than-life persona on and off the court, O’Neal has managed to transition smoothly into a career that includes podcasting, acting, and even investing. As an NBA legend, O’Neal has seen firsthand how the game has evolved, and in his latest podcast, “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” he didn’t hold back on his thoughts about the state of the NBA and the players dominating the league today.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Harsh Criticism of Ben Simmons
O’Neal’s words raised some eyebrows when he criticized the current crop of NBA players, particularly pointing fingers at Ben Simmons, who currently plays as a point guard for the LA Clippers.
In a conversation about the modern game, O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion, expressed his frustrations with how soft the current NBA has become, leading to the success of players like LeBron James. He was particularly vocal about his feelings toward Ben Simmons, whose career has been filled with more controversy than actual accomplishments over the past few seasons.
“A lot of these MFs can’t play, and they know it,” O’Neal said. “Like Ben Simmons, that MF need to be arrested. $250 million for that? The F out my face. Robbing people, man.”
It’s clear that O’Neal’s comments were not just about Simmons’ performance, but about the larger trend he feels is taking over the NBA—players getting big contracts without delivering the expected results. For O’Neal, the stakes were always high, and he believes the modern-day player has lost the edge that made the NBA so thrilling in the past.
LeBron James: A Different Type of Greatness
While O’Neal had sharp words for Simmons, his comments about LeBron James were just as attention-grabbing. O’Neal, a man who shared the court with some of the most physically dominant players in NBA history, spoke about the longevity of LeBron James’ career. LeBron is often regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the game, and his enduring success has made him a focal point in conversations about the best players of all time.
However, O’Neal, while acknowledging LeBron’s achievements, hinted that the game has changed so much that players like James can thrive in an era that’s less physically demanding than in years past.
“It’s hard for me to look at it as greatness because of the way the game is today,” O’Neal said. “LeBron is a beast, but in my day, it was all about the toughness and physicality.”
The Diddy Lawsuit and LeBron’s Reputation
Things got even more complicated for LeBron James recently due to a lawsuit filed by Florida resident Joseph Manzaro, who accused rapper Diddy of abuse during a 2015 birthday party. The lawsuit also mentioned that LeBron James was present at the party and witnessed the alleged incident.
James’ spokesperson has since issued a statement refuting the claims. According to the spokesperson, a quick Google search will show that James was actually playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers during that time, not at the Miami event where the incident allegedly occurred.
Although O’Neal didn’t directly comment on the lawsuit, it adds a layer of controversy to the ongoing conversation about LeBron’s career. Despite this, it’s clear that O’Neal still recognizes James’ impact on the game, even if the modern era isn’t to his liking.
Shaquille O’Neal: A Hollywood Star in the Making
While Shaquille O’Neal’s thoughts on the NBA were compelling, it’s important to remember that his impact reaches beyond the basketball court. Even though O’Neal’s basketball career is legendary, he started making waves in Hollywood at the young age of 21. His breakout role came in the early ’90s when he starred alongside Chris Rock in the comedy *Blue Chips*.
Since then, O’Neal has continued to make appearances in various films and television shows, often playing himself or offering his physicality and voice in animated roles. Although his Hollywood career hasn’t matched his NBA legacy, O’Neal’s influence in the entertainment industry is undeniable, with a steady stream of roles and appearances that have kept him in the public eye.
The Evolution of Shaquille O’Neal’s Career
As O’Neal continues to make a name for himself as a commentator, businessman, and media personality, it’s evident that his career path has evolved significantly since his days dominating the NBA. From his comedic moments in films to his thoughtful commentary on *The Big Podcast with Shaq*, O’Neal has shown that he’s far more than just a basketball legend. With every podcast episode, TV appearance, or business venture, he continues to build on the legacy he created on the court.
Whether you agree with his critiques of today’s NBA or not, one thing is clear—Shaquille O’Neal’s larger-than-life personality and deep understanding of the game will ensure that his voice continues to resonate in both basketball and Hollywood for years to come.
Shaquille O’Neal’s recent remarks about the state of the NBA, LeBron James’ longevity, and his harsh words for players like Ben Simmons highlight the ongoing debate about the evolution of the game. While some may disagree with O’Neal’s views, his experience and success in both the NBA and Hollywood make him a respected figure whose opinions are hard to ignore. Whether you love or hate his perspective, Shaq’s voice continues to command attention, both on the court and off.