One of the reasons TNT’s Inside the NBA show is so popular is that the analysts, most notably Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, are willing to say whatever comes to their mind. Barkley and O’Neal are outspoken, and often brash – and they can get themselves into trouble from time to time. Just a week ago, Barkley was roasted online for his controversial take that NBA players should be prioritized to receive a COVID-19 vaccine because they pay large sums in taxes.
On Thursday night, Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal ran afoul of NBA Twitter when he told Jazz star Donovan Mitchell to his face that he doesn’t have what it takes to get to the next level. Immediately after Mitchell scored 36 points to lead the Jazz to their seventh consecutive win, Shaq tried to check Mitchell, in an apparent attempt to motivate the 24-year-old. Mitchell made it clear he wasn’t interested in Shaq’s opinion, and the entire exchange was incredibly awkward.
Donovan's response when Shaq tells him he doesn't have what it takes to get to the next level:
"Aight." pic.twitter.com/t64PxpeTFD
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 22, 2021
Shaq: “You are one of my favorite players but you don’t have what it takes to get to that next level. I said it on purpose, I want you to hear it. What do you have to say about that?”
Donovan Mitchell: “Aight. That’s it.”
Shaq: “That’s it?”
Donovan Mitchell: “That’s it.”
Shaq: “OK, cool. I wanted you to hear it.”
Donovan Mitchell: “I mean, Shaq, I’ve been hearing that since my rookie year. I’m just going to get better and do what I do.”
Shaq: “Good, well that’s what I wanted to hear you say. Love your game, brother, keep it up.”
NBA fans went off on Shaq for tearing down Mitchell, whatever his reasoning was.