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“I’m taking Russell Westbrook over Donovan Mitchell all day long”: Shaquille O’Neal continues to disparage Jazz stars despite their league-best 20-5 record

Amulya Shekhar
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"I'm taking Russell Westbrook over Donovan Mitchell all day long": Shaquille O'Neal continues to disparage Jazz stars despite their league-best 20-5 record

Shaquille O’Neal continues to be disapproving of Utah Jazz franchise star Donovan Mitchell. He said he’d take Russell Westbrook over Spida ‘all day long’.

One of the sideshow storylines off the court this season has heavily involved Shaq. The 4-time champion tried to begin a needless feud with Rudy Gobert first, mocking his $200+ million contract. Gobert refused to engage with Shaq, noting that the better players are bound to be criticized more.

Shaq then aimed a childish jab at Donovan Mitchell in a postgame interview. He pointedly accused ‘Spida’ of not having what it takes to be the leading man on a contender.

Also Read: “LeBron James made light of it with a goofy face”: Ray Allen reveals how he once took the Lakers star for a pedicure at Beverly Hills despite the stigma

Last night, Mitchell had a signature game against the Boston Celtics. His efforts helped the Jazz hold off the Celtics, who attempted to take the game with an offensive surge in the 4th quarter. Spida had 36 points on 23 shots, taking over offensively and garnering dime after juicy dime.

Shaquille O’Neal would prefer Russell Westbrook over Donovan Mitchell

Russell Westbrook has taken a step back in his production this season. Although much of this can be attributed to the travails of ill health, the Brody is showing unmistakable signs of a slowdown. His taxing style of play was bound to age poorly with his advancing age.

While the Brody would struggle to be counted among the top 25 players in the East this season, Donovan Mitchell is assured of an All-Star nod in the more talented West. This hasn’t prevented Shaquille O’Neal from saying he’d prefer the 2016-17 MVP.

Also Read: “Nets Big 3 need to sacrifice some crucial shots”: Ray Allen calls on Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and James Harden to involve teammates more

Anyone who thinks the Jazz are not a serious threat to emerge from the West this season is looking really foolish at the moment. While they don’t have a proven postseason record, there’s always a first time for this. They have an 80% win percentage this season, having won 16 of their last 17.

About the author

Amulya Shekhar

Amulya Shekhar

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Amulya Shekhar is a sports junkie who thrives on the thrills and frills of live sports action across basketball, football (the American variant works too), parkour, adventure sports. He believes sports connect us to our best selves, and he hopes to help people experience sports more holistically.

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