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[Saba Sports News] The generational divide in the NBA continues to grow, with many legends of the game viewing today’s players as “soft.” Shaquille O’Neal made his stance loud and clear on a recent episode of ‘The Big Podcast’, where he didn’t hold back his criticism of the modern era.
Shaq specifically called out Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Clippers guard-forward Ben Simmons while discussing how the game’s physicality has changed.
“Definitely,” Shaq said when asked if LeBron’s longevity is due in part to a softer league. “It’s less physical. Now, if you commit a flagrant foul, you get fined and suspended. Guys don’t even f—ing foul hard anymore.”
Reflecting on the league’s evolution, Shaq added, “It was wild before I played, and it was still wild when I played. People might get mad, but I’m just calling it how I see it.”
The Hall of Famer didn’t stop there. He criticized the overall level of talent in today’s NBA, saying he doesn’t see true greatness the way he once did.
“I’ve seen greatness. I played with it. I don’t see it all the time now,” Shaq said. “You want me to give these m———–s the same props? That sh-t’s not happening. Call it hate if you want.”
Shaq dismissed accusations of jealousy, claiming his greatness gives him the authority to speak freely.
“You’re not f—ing great, and I am. How is that hate? That don’t make no f—ing sense,” he said. He then lit into Ben Simmons, saying, “Ben f—ing Simmons—he should be arrested. $250 million for that sh-t? Robbing people, man.”
Still, Shaq gave credit where he felt it was due, offering praise for Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum—though he didn’t extend it much further.
So, is the current era truly softer, or are the legends just refusing to let go? The debate rolls on.