Shaq rips current state of the NBA, says it’s getting ‘soft’

Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal has recently voiced his discontent with the current state of NBA basketball, expressing his belief that the game has become “soft.” In a recent appearance on “New Heights,” O’Neal, who is 53 years old, lamented the direction in which the sport is heading.

O’Neal, a 15-time NBA All-Star, specifically criticized the trend of centers focusing on shooting 3-pointers rather than dominating in the paint. He cited young players like Victor Wembanyama as examples of this shift in playing style, expressing a preference for big men who can physically dominate their opponents.

“I hate big guys shooting (3-pointers). I would love to see them dominate in the paint and put the ball in the basket the old-fashioned way,” O’Neal stated. He emphasized his own preference for physical play, stating, “Why would I shoot a (3-pointer) when I could put your little a– in the basket and dunk on you?”

In addition to his critique of the style of play, O’Neal also took issue with the current format of the NBA All-Star game. He described the format as “terrible” and questioned the decision-making behind it. This season, the All-Star game featured four teams in a mini-tournament format, with players drafted by O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith. The fourth team was the winner of the Rising Stars challenge.

Despite the NBA’s efforts to revamp the All-Star game format in recent years, O’Neal believes that the lack of effort from players has led to a decline in the quality of the game. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has hinted at a potential USA vs. World format for next year’s All-Star game, but the specifics are still undecided.

As the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers approach, O’Neal’s comments serve as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding the direction of professional basketball. His perspective, shaped by years of experience in the league, offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of the sport.

In conclusion, Shaquille O’Neal’s views on the current state of NBA basketball highlight the ongoing discussion about the game’s evolution and the balance between tradition and innovation. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming NBA Finals, O’Neal’s remarks add an extra layer of intrigue to the ongoing conversation surrounding the sport.