‘Shaquille O’Neal is a hater of modern big men’: Former Nets star Deron Williams talks about Lakers legend’s criticism of current players

Deron Williams says that Shaquille O’Neal is just a bitter old man regarding the modern generation of centers, like Rudy Gobert.

Hall-Of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal has accomplished a lot during his playing days. He was a 15-time All-Star, 4-time NBA champion and a former MVP. A very few other players in history are as good as him in his position.

Recently, Shaq has been making headlines for not the best reasons. The 7-foot-1 O’Neal has been going after some particular players, mocking them and passing comments which not everybody is happy with. O’Neal had also taken shots at other NBA centers like Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee.

Former NBA star Deron Williams spoke about how Shaq has been criticising some players. He disclosed that Shaq had always been a hater of current centers and also said:

“It’s a different game (today compared to when O’Neal played). His production doesn’t just show up in stats. … What you don’t see is all the shots that he challenges and how many guys miss just because he’s in the lane and they have to kick it out. His impact isn’t just with stats.”

“Shaq’s always been a hater of big men, especially the modern big men. I mean, he just constantly is, and it’s kind of sad honestly to see, but if there’s anybody that can talk and have the ability to talk about guys, it’s Shaq, because he’s put in the work and you can’t really say anything to him.”

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‘Donovan was challenged by Shaquille O’Neal, and he has answered that challenge’: Deron Williams

This past year, Shaq also spoke about another Utah Jazz player. He stated that Jazz’s All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell didn’t have what it took to lead a championship team. This led to an awkward interview between the two.

Deron Williams also shed light on how Mitchell has played well after the altercation with the legend Shaq. He said:

“He plays hard. His game speaks for itself. He was challenged by Shaq, and I think he’s pretty much answered that challenge. He’s got this team playing really good basketball and it’s fun to watch him. It’s fun to watch him grow and he’s gotten better every year and just continues to grow.”

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It looks like the Jazz team took the remarks from Shaq a bit too personally. They have won 17 games out of their last 18 to have the best record (22-5) in the whole league at the moment.