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‘Hater’ Shaquille O’Neal finally admits he’s jealous of modern NBA superstars
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- ‘Hater’ Shaquille O’Neal finally admits he’s jealous of modern NBA superstars
Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images
Shaquille O'Neal has long been one of the loudest critics of the modern NBA, often dismissing today's big men as soft compared to his era.
But in a recent appearance, the Hall of Famer went a step further, admitting that part of his criticism may be rooted in something more personal.
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Shaquille O'Neal calls modern NBA big men soft
Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images
Speaking on expediTIously with Tip T.I. Harris , Shaquille O'Neal explained why he believes the league has changed dramatically.
"I think it's soft. When I was growing up I seen big dogs in the paint throwing elbows, when I started doing that everybody was scared of me and started fading out," O'Neal said.
He added: "The Garnets, the Tim Duncans… You see these big guys now they're picking and popping shooting 3s… When I had to guard them they would step out so as a kid you're watching guys 6'10 shoot jumpers, that's what you practice…
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"The game is softer. Big guys are soft and guys don't take it seriously."
O'Neal's frustration centers on the evolution of the center position. Instead of dominating the paint, many modern bigs stretch the floor and prioritize perimeter skill.
During his prime with the LA Lakers , Shaq built his legacy on physical dominance. The paint was his territory, and opponents were forced to adjust around him.
Today's spacing-heavy system values shooting and versatility, which O'Neal views as a departure from the rugged style he thrived in.
Shaquille O'Neal admits to professional jealousy
Despite the harsh assessment, O'Neal offered an unusually candid admission about his mindset.
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"Listen, I'm professionally jealous of some of these bums making money. I am a hater. You're making all this money but not protecting this thing of ours," Shaq continued.
He concluded, stating: "Making all this money and not giving people a good show, at some point this thing of ours will end."
The confession reframed years of criticism. Rather than denying envy, O'Neal embraced it, suggesting his perspective is shaped by the financial explosion of today's NBA.
Player salaries have surged in the modern era, often dwarfing what legends earned during their primes. That economic gap fuels debates about effort, entertainment value, and competitive intensity.
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For O'Neal, the concern is not just money, but legacy. He believes players have a responsibility to uphold a certain standard of physicality and spectacle.
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