Shaq Has Strong Words About Hyping Up NBA Youngsters on ‘The Big Podcast’

Shaquille O’Neal isn’t one to mince words, and he made his thoughts known about those ready to anoint young NBA stars as the next big thing.

It all started on his “The Big Podcast,” in which he was asked how he’d perform against “phenomenal” Chet Holmgren. The phrase didn’t sit well with Shaq, who warned against heaping too much praise on Holmgren, Victor Wembanyama and other NBA neophytes.

“Y’all just can’t be giving these people things who ain’t put in the work,” he said among other comments.

Shaq was named Rookie of the Year in 1993 when he averaged 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game for Orlando. Meanwhile, Holmgren is the favorite to take home Rookie of the Year honors at FanDuel (-250), averaging 17.4 points, 7.5 boards and 2.6 blocks for Oklahoma City.  Ironically, the Magic announced Shaq’s iconic number 32 jersey will be retired during the team’s game against Holmgren’s Thunder.

Shaq recently launched “The Big Podcast Network” with Playmaker HQ, which serves as the home of his “The Big Podcast” and additional content to come.  New episodes will be released every Tuesday throughout the 2023-24 NBA Season.

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