Shaquille O’Neal Rips Kyrie Irving And The Nets: “Throws the Balance of How It’s Supposed to Be”

The Brooklyn Nets have finally been playing with Kyrie Irving on the court. With Kevin Durant out due to his injury, James Harden and Irving are leading the team. However, it might not be the advantage everyone thinks it is.

Shaquille O’Neal recently spoke about the Nets’ situation, where Irving’s part-time presence might be affecting the team’s entire dynamic. There have also been reports about problems between Harden and Irving– a significant negative development with the team.

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Shaquille O’Neal shares his views on the Nets and Kyrie Irving

As mentioned, Irving is not present full-time with the team. With Durant sidelined, Harden has the sole responsibility of leading the team on most occasions.

As per O’Neal, this ends up tipping the balance. “When you’ve got one guy doing his own thing… it kinda throws the balance of how it’s supposed to be”. 

When Harden signed with the Nets last season, the team was supposed to be title contenders with a solid big three. Up until now, league rules and injuries seem to have plagued the team, not letting the three icons play together more than a handful of times. If the team wants to work well together, they need to play together.

“When we were in our mode, one balance, one voice. We did everything right.. we was able to win,” O’Neal added, eventually moving to speak of Harden and his role with the team. After all, Harden’s presence was supposed to earn the Nets – he included – a championship. With the playoffs approaching, the No. 3 ranked Nets (Eastern Conference) might have some difficulty securing their wins.

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“James Harden he was made some promises, promises not being kept. He said, ‘Hey I’m out of here this summer’, and I would do the same thing if I was him.”

Is James Harden going to play elsewhere?

Recent reports also suggest that O’Neal’s words might be the truth, as Harden is looking to play elsewhere. Irving’s not being there completely seems to be a problem, along with some plans made by head coach Steve Nash. Harden has spoken about this issue fleetingly, speaking of how everyone is frustrated about their status.

“Everyone in this organization is frustrated because we are better than what our record is and we should be on the way up. That’s all it is,” he stated, adding that this is only because he wants to win. [h/t Netsdaily.com]

Furthermore, Durant will also be missing the All-Star game courtesy of his knee injury. The Nets are currently playing with a 29-18 win-loss record and will play the Denver Nuggets next.

What do you think of Shaquille O’Neal’s opinion on Irving and the Nets? Let us know.