SUMMARY
- Shaquille O'Neal, on "The BIG Podcast," revisited his earlier comments on young NBA talents Victor Wembanyama and Bol Bol.
- Shaq's comments sparked mixed reactions from NBA fans.
In a recent episode of “The BIG Podcast”, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal revisited his previous comments on young NBA talents Victor Wembanyama and Bol Bol and gave a new opinion that has sparked various reactions among fans. O’Neal highlighted the difference in work ethics between the two players, despite their similar skill sets.
Shaq praised Wembanyama’s ambition, comparing it with Bol Bol’s lack of effort. “Wemby wants it more,” Shaq stated, while calling Bol as “lazy as f*ck.” He acknowledged Bol’s capabilities, including his impressive dribbling, three-point shooting, and overall game, but criticized his work ethic. Shaq added that Bol was the first 7’5″ player with such skills.
Shaq says Bol Bol can do everything Wemby can, but even better
“Bol Bol is just lazy af”
(🎥 @bigpodwithshaq / https://t.co/tKUqKuZ3z7) pic.twitter.com/8Ciq21x1GI
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 24, 2024
“Bol Bol can do everything Wemby can do and even a little better: dribble, behind the back, shoot the three, nice handle, floater game… he’s just lazy. So I stand by my statement that Bol Bol was the first 7’5″ guy to have those skills. I’m not saying that Bol Bol is better, I’m just saying he was the first 7’5″ guy to do that.” Shaq said.
This statement from Shaq has sparked mixed reactions from NBA fans. One fan humorously wrote, “Shaq would know about being lazy,” another fan stated, “Bro has to stop with the Bol Bol agenda. The dude just didn’t live up to the expectations unfortunately.” One fan commented, “shaq and lazy in the same sentence ☠️☠️.”
Bol Bol’s recent performance with the Phoenix Suns highlights the challenges he faces in the NBA. With an average of only 7.2 minutes in 12 games this season, he is averaging 3.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. His struggle for more playtime, especially in a contending team like the Suns, raises questions about whether he will be able to reach his full potential this season.
Shaquille O’Neal picks Victor Wembanyama for NBA Rookie of the Year
The “Inside the NBA” crew, including Shaquille O’Neal, recently discussed the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year. The debate was primarily centered around two standout rookies- Chet Holmgren of the OKC Thunder and Victor Wembanyama.
Kenny Smith, former Houston Rockets guard and O’Neal’s co-analyst praised Holmgren’s role in the Thunder’s success but ultimately favored Wembanyama, who he sees as the first option for the Spurs. Shaq aligned with Smith’s opinion, stating, “It has to go to Victor.” He said Wembanyama has a slight edge in individual performance over Holmgren. Shaq’s support for Wembanyama is interesting, considering his own history as a former Rookie of the Year.
Chet or Wemby? 👀
The Fellas discuss who they have as ROTY pic.twitter.com/grlpxuXoX0
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 19, 2024
Going forward in the debate, Smith gave a hypothetical scenario where Wembanyama played for the Thunder instead of Holmgren. To that, Shaq said Wembanyama’s presence could have further boosted the Thunder.