Shaquille O’Neal Claims He Would Get Physical With Kyrie Irving if He Played for the Brooklyn Nets: “I Don’t See How the Team Can Put Up With That”

Of late, the trend in the NBA is for teams to have big-name players on their squads. That is what they have realized is the best recipe for success. In addition to this, it also generates plenty of excitement among fans, especially if the team performs well.

One such team is the Brooklyn Nets. Comprising the likes of superstars such as Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn fans and pundits alike, believe that their team has got what it takes to be champions of the NBA.

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But with Durant out due to injury and Kyrie only being able to play away games, things are looking tough for the Nets this season. This was one of the topics covered in the latest episode of ‘The Big Podcast With Shaq.’

Shaq speaks about Kyrie Irving

Kevin Durant’s injury was a major blow for the Nets this season. With him most likely out for 4-6 weeks, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of the rest of the squad, especially Kyrie Irving and James Harden. After all, the trio was assembled to win games. Hence, Shaq expressed his concern about how the team has been flexible about Kyrie’s choice.

“Kevin Durant. What’s jersey going to do? His ol’ boy going to sacrifice, and I’m looking at his press conference today, he says ‘NO.’ I don’t see how the team could put up with that,” said Shaq.

“If he was on my team, I’d have to put hands on him,” added Shaq. He then went on to explain why he’d get physical with Kyrie.

“I know for a fact that these windows for winning championships, you don’t have ’em a lot. You know what I mean? You don’t have them a lot. All that stuff just playing on the road, like you can’t get into rhythm like that,” explained Shaq.

Thereafter, he spoke about his experience during his championship wins, claiming that he was part of a closely knit unit with his teammates. “We stuck up for each other. We trusted each other, and you can’t do that with people coming in and out,” he said. He firmly believes that success takes sacrifice from everyone on the team.

The Nets have 3 wins and 2 losses since the return of ‘Uncle Drew.’ However, these five games are not any pattern to go by if one wishes to determine the future of the Nets this season. Kyrie is a superstar of the league, and only time has the answer to what the Nets’ future holds.

DIVE DEEPER: Shaquille O’Neal Bashes Kyrie Irving for Not Sacrificing Amidst James Harden Trade Rumors: “The Big 3 Was Put Together to Win Championships”