Shaquille O’Neal always seems to have an opinion on everything basketball-related. He has taken an active part in the NBA as an entertainer and analyst after retiring from the NBA. Shaq recently took to his podcast and criticized Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant and the legacy he created for himself.
Kevin Durant was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He paired up with Russel Westbrook and James Harden. However, he was unable to win an NBA title in the 10 years he spent there. Therefore, KD decided to move to the Golden State Warriors. This decision was heavily criticized by many as a cheap, pathetic, and non-superstar-like move.
There is an old saying in the NBA, “ All NBA greats have bad memories“. This refers to the fact that almost all these players seem to remember only fixed narratives and have dispelled bad memories. This may be the case for many NBA players both retired and active.
Shaquille O’Neal forgets he did the same thing as Kevin Durant
Shaq’s explanation of KD’s past actions and legacy is quite straightforward. He seems to openly dismiss Kevin Durant’s contributions to the Golden State Warriors. This could also be because of the success the Warriors have had so far this NBA postseason.
“it’s supposed to be about competition If I knew it was okay to people f**k I would have joined the bulls. I would have played with Mike and Scottie and then I would have left them and played in my hometown San Antonio and the Spurs and when Dikembe and the rockets beat us I would have moved to Houston, but Nah, nope I was like I wanna beat those guys.”
It is amusing when Shaq puts things across in that manner. He would have had many many championships to add to his 4 if he had done so. Additionally, he would have earned an even higher position in people’s minds as one of the greatest if he was successful.
People forget that Shaq did try just that. He left the Orlando Magic, where he was drafted to go play with Kobe and the Lakers. He then moved to the Miami Heat and won an NBA championship with D-wade. However, it was straight downhill from there.
Shaq changed teams repeatedly in order to try to win another ring towards the end of his career. However, he was not successful with the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and finally Boston Celtics where his career ended. Shaq seems to forget this as he criticizes Kevin Durant.