There is a deep divide between the current era of NBA players and the older generation. Legends largely view the current crop of players as soft, which is precisely what Shaquille O’Neal said during a recent episode of The Big Podcast.
Specifically, Shaq singled out Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and Los Angeles Clippers guard-forward Ben Simmons.
“Definitely,” Shaq said when asked if James’ longevity is a byproduct of the change in physicality. “Less physical. Right now, if you get a flagrant foul, you get fined (and) suspended. Guys aren’t even f—–g fouling hard no more.
“Back before I played it was crazy, but when I played it was crazy. . . People get mad. It’s just a product of what I see.”
Shaq also feels the current product lacks true greatness.
“I’ve seen what greatness is. Been there. Played with them,” he said. “I don’t see that all the time over here. You want me to give these m———–s the same props you’re giving them? That s–t will never happen. You can call it hate if you want.”
The word “soft” gets thrown around by former players quite often, and it’s frequently met with the word “hate” in response. Shaq doesn’t care, arguing that he was great and doesn’t see that in today’s current player.
“You ain’t f—–g great and I’m great. How can I hate on you? That don’t make no f—–g sense,” he said. “Ben f—–g Simmons, that m———-r needs to be arrested. $250 million for that s–t? … Robbing people, man.”
Shaq did give a few players their flowers, including Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum, but that’s where he wrapped it up.
Is the current generation soft? Is the older generation just hating? The debate rages on.
