The gap between the new and old generation in the NBA remains massive. While clear with the commentary every year, the response to the Draymond Green incident further proves that divide. Even though most current players were critical of his actions, Shaquille O’Neal has now come out in favor of Green. According to him, the Golden State Warriors star wasn’t out of line with what he did.

Rather, there is one way O’Neal justifies the incident in his mind.

Shaquille O’Neal comes to Dray’s rescue

In a career full of such incidents, the Minnesota Timberwolves became the latest canvas for Draymond. After last year’s punch to then-teammate Jordan Poole, and stomp to Domantas Sabonis in the playoffs, what depth was next? As it turns out, the answer was a full rear-neck chokehold to Rudy Gobert in the middle of the court. Even though the display was vicious and terrifying, all it could bring about was laughter from O’Neal and the crew.

In hindsight, too, the Los Angeles Lakers legend does not think that the 4x Champion was out of line. His justification for the entire matter is simple: “What Would Shaq Do?” 

“I’m from the old school, so you always stick up for your guys. Like, me and you are doing the interview right now — somebody come put their hands on you, I’m gonna beat them up ‘cause you’re my guy.” Similarly, the Miami Heat legend can understand why Dray did what he did.  

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“But you get these people who say it was wrong — like, I try not to be a hypocrite. I would’ve did the same thing. I’m not gonna sit here and say he was wrong, he shouldn’t have did it — he probably shouldn’t have did it, but WWSD?” The answer is obvious.

As he made clear to the LA Times, “Shaq would’ve done the same.” However, despite the Hall of Famer’s endorsement, the verdict on the incident has been decidedly anti-Green.

Unlike Big Diesel, the rest of the NBA world disagrees with Draymond Green

After Gobert’s incendiary comments about non-Stephen Curry ejections, and the fallout of his actions, the last few days haven’t been kind to the former DPOY. Moreover, public perception of Draymond continues to deteriorate with multiple similar offenses.

Between a callout of Karl Anthony Towns and compilations of Green’s dirty plays going viral, it’s going to take some time for the latest incident to step away from the limelight. But, with just a few days left before he returns, one question is vital.

Will Green change his patterns?

Read More: Rudy Gobert Gets Called Out by Clippers Legend for Choosing the Peaceful Route Against Draymond Green