Hall of Fame big man Shaquille O’Neal may have been a member of the Boston Celtics, but that does not mean he is a regular imbiber of the proverbial green Kool-Aid. In fact, if anything, he may be closer to former Celtics champion center Kendrick Perkins in his frequent skepticism of his former ball club — even after they won a title in their most recent iteration.
The Big Aristotle is skeptical that Boston will repeat as champs in 2024, and not just because winning a title under any circumstances is very, very hard. The reason, per Shaq on his semi-eponymous podcast? Because “even though they have the championship … Boston had it easy.”
“It’s not their fault, I don’t care, they won,” he added, referring to the fact that other teams had a key player out injured in every round (while ignoring that the Celtics did as well).
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“Their road was too easy,” he claimed, evidently forgetting about the league-best record Boston assembled in the regular season as well. “So, when their road stiffens up, and they don’t win, then that statement will be verified.”
A hot take on Shaq’s part, perhaps, but that is what analysts do to keep eyes on them, which he himself admits. “You know how us haters and us commentators do,” he said. “Okay, you got one, win two!”
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