Shaq Shares Which NBA Players He Hates the Most Today
Shaquille O’Neal, one of the NBA’s most dominant big men and now an outspoken analyst, never shies away from sharing his unfiltered opinions about the league’s current stars. On a recent episode of his hit show, “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” the Hall of Famer made headlines by revealing which NBA players he “hates the most” today—a segment that instantly sparked debate across the basketball world.
Shaq’s Candid Confession
The conversation began with Shaq’s co-hosts asking him which current players get under his skin. Shaq, known for his humor and blunt honesty, didn’t hold back. “Let me be clear,” he started, “I don’t hate these guys personally. It’s basketball hate. It’s about how they play, how they act, and sometimes, how they talk.”
He continued, “There are a few guys who just rub me the wrong way. Not because they’re bad players—actually, they’re great. But the way they carry themselves, the way they act like they’ve already made it, that gets to me.”
The Players Who Made Shaq’s List
Shaq then went on to name a handful of NBA stars who, in his words, “need to humble themselves and respect the game.” At the top of his list was Dillon Brooks, the Houston Rockets guard known for his brash trash talk and physical play. “Dillon Brooks talks a lot, but hasn’t backed it up in the playoffs. I respect confidence, but you gotta earn it first,” Shaq said.
Next, Shaq called out Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors. “Draymond is a champion, no doubt,” Shaq admitted. “But sometimes he crosses the line with all the antics. The kicking, the yelling, the podcasting—just play ball. Let your game speak for itself.”
Shaq also mentioned Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks’ star point guard. “Trae is electric, but he’s got a little too much attitude for a young guy who hasn’t won yet. I want to see him lead his team deeper in the playoffs before he starts acting like a legend.”
Finally, Shaq threw shade at Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves. “KAT has all the talent, but I don’t see the fire. He’s gotta get tougher, stop complaining, and show he can be the man when it matters.”
Shaq’s Philosophy: Respect the Game
Throughout the segment, Shaq made it clear that his “hate” comes from a place of respect for the game and its history. “When I played, you had to earn respect. You couldn’t just talk your way into it. I want these guys to understand that. I want them to be great, but greatness comes from hard work, not just hype.”
He also praised several current stars for their attitude and leadership, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry. “Giannis plays hard every night. He’s humble, he’s hungry, and he’s a winner. Steph lets his game do the talking. That’s what I love to see.”
Reactions Across the League
Shaq’s comments quickly went viral, with fans, analysts, and even players chiming in. Dillon Brooks responded on social media, posting, “I play my way. Shaq can say what he wants, but I’m not changing for anybody.” Draymond Green addressed Shaq’s remarks on his own podcast, saying, “Shaq was loud too. I just play with passion. No disrespect.”
Trae Young tweeted, “All love, Shaq. I’m just trying to win and have fun.” Karl-Anthony Towns declined to comment directly, but posted a video of his intense offseason training.
NBA fans debated Shaq’s list, with some agreeing that today’s stars need more humility, while others felt Shaq was being too harsh. “It’s a different era,” one fan wrote. “Players market themselves now. Shaq’s old-school, but the game has changed.”
A Legacy of Tough Love
Shaquille O’Neal’s legacy as a player and analyst is built on his larger-than-life personality and his commitment to honesty. Whether you agree with his takes or not, one thing is clear: Shaq’s voice still matters in the NBA, and his “basketball hate” is just another way he pushes today’s stars to strive for greatness.
As the season continues, fans will be watching to see if any of Shaq’s least favorite players take his words to heart—and prove him wrong on the court.
