In a recent discussion, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal expressed his concerns regarding the current state of the NBA, labeling it as ‘unpopular’ due to what he views as a prevailing ‘soft’ culture among players today. Shaq pointed to the influence of famed shooter Stephen Curry as a pivotal factor in reshaping the game. ‘Everybody’s soft because of Steph Curry firing threes all day,’ O’Neal commented, asserting that the shift away from traditional basketball play has contributed to a decline in competitiveness and physicality within the sport. His sentiments echoed during an interview where he elaborated on the need for a balance in gameplay, calling for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to reconsider certain rule changes that favor three-point shooting over inside play. O’Neal’s remarks have sparked debate among NBA fans and analysts, with some agreeing that the game has indeed shifted, while others believe the evolution of the NBA makes it more engaging than ever. A counterpoint piece highlighted that the current style of play is still exciting, claiming, ‘the NBA is actually fun as hell and very watchable,’ reinforcing the notion that there are diverse opinions on the game’s trajectory. The debate continues as the league evolves, leaving fans divided on what constitutes the essence of basketball.
Shaquille O’Neal Critiques NBA’s Softness and Blames Stephen Curry’s Influence
