Shaquille O’Neal is among those players who are pretty active with their off-court activities. Shaq was a legend on the court. But even after leaving the court long ago, he tries to keep up with the NBA universe with his analysis. He always tries to nitpick the things he discusses. And unsurprisingly, the Hall Famer turned TV analyst recently commented on the performance of Donovan Mitchell. In a recent episode of his show, The Big Podcast with Shaq, O’Neal applauded the Cleveland Cavaliers star.
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Donovan Mitchell put up an impressive performance against the Boston Celtics as the Cavs won the game in overtime by a point. He was the second-highest scorer for the Cavaliers. He finished the game with 25 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. The consistent performances of the All-Star shooting guard helped them ever since the start of the new season.
Back in 2021, O’Neal claimed Mitchell doesn’t have what it takes to go to the next level despite admitting Mitchell was one of his favorite players. The former MVP even disclosed that to Mitchell and said he wanted him to hear it.
Shaquille O’Neal gives major props to Donovan Mitchell
This season, the performance of Donovan Mitchell has impressed Shaquille O’Neal. He recently claimed that his criticism of Mitchell last year has worked since the star is playing great. He added that his plan of “tough love” is working.
The four-time champion went on to say that he criticizes players to ignite the fire inside them. He said, “A lot of guys, I like to poke and see what I can get.”
He hoped Mitchell would be lauded as one of the top guards in the league by the end of the season. O’Neal added he wanted to see how far he can push Mitchell. Shaq claimed,??He can be one of the greatest ever.”?
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“I want to see how far I can push this kid. I think he can be one of the greatest ever.”@SHAQ talks @spidadmitchell's hot start to the season for the @cavs on #TheBigPodcast ➡️ https://t.co/rh5crzogOj https://t.co/1nUXsZIGB7 pic.twitter.com/8QhEtcmtUl
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) November 4, 2022
The Los Angeles Lakers legend ended his comments by saying he knew what he was doing. Shaq added he did the same by criticizing his former teammates Penny Hardaway, the late Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade. He implied his “tough love” worked with them and similarly it has worked out for Donovan Mitchell so far.
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What are your thoughts about the performance of Donovan Mitchell this season? Let us know in the comment section.