?Tired of Hearing From You?: Having Helped Shaquille O?Neal?s Precious Relationship, NBA Legend Dwells Into Not Thinking Like ?Daddy?

Throughout the history of basketball, there have been exceptional players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. Some have revolutionized the way the game is played, while others have captured the hearts of millions with their skills. In some cases, these players have been fortunate to have children who aspire to follow in their footsteps. However, being both a basketball great and a parent can present its challenges.

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is one such example, facing similar obstacles with his own children. Yet, with the guidance of an NBA legend, he has managed to navigate these challenges and adopt a different perspective. Who is the NBA legend we are talking about? Let us delve into the details.

An NBA legend reveals how he avoids thinking like a father to his kid’s basketball endeavors

NBA legend Gary Payton is one of the greatest NBA players to step on the court. Known for his outstanding defensive abilities, Payton is enlisted as one of the best defenders in the league. He shares the most NBA all-defensive first-team selection record with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Garnett. Payton was the first point guard in the league to win the NBA defensive player of the year award. The 9-time NBA all-star shares a close relationship with Shaquille O’Neal. They both won a ring together with the Miami Heat.

Furthermore, both Shaq and Payton have second-generation basketball players as their children. Payton’s son is a member of the Golden State Warriors, while Shaq’s son Shareef plays for the NBA G League Ignite team. During a recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, Payton revealed how he consciously avoids adopting a purely paternal perspective when it comes to evaluating his son’s performance on the basketball court. Payton says “I’m not going to tell you about what’s going on because you know what’s going on. You know why you ain’t playing”.

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Furthermore, he adds, “So I’m gonna stop telling you. Because it does go run out in this year and I’ll be up. So I just said forget it. Let this other person tell you and let you understand from them. Then you understand. Then if you want to call me o the phone, call me. And then I’ll tell you one of my honest opinion and then that’s it”. He further says, “I want to enjoy myself at the games but I can’t. Because I’m still thinking like Gary Payton, but I’m not thinking like Daddy”. Payton once helped Shaq with the same approach to help his relationship with his kid.

Gary Payton once helped Shaquille O’Neal to improve a valuable relationship

Shaq’s sons, Shareef and Shaqir, possess strong basketball skills that differ from their father’s dominant style. At one point, Shaq expressed dissatisfaction when he saw players of lesser ability making it to the NBA while his son, Shareef, was not in the league. Despite his intentions to support his children’s basketball careers, Shaq struggled to find success. It was during this time that Payton introduced him to an approach that would enhance his relationship with his sons.

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Payton explains “He asked me about Shaqir and I was like, look here man. You asking me man and I’m gonna tell you the truth. You have to let it go. First of all, get somebody that we trust to take care of it and you can overlook it. And we talk to them and then, they’ll work with him”. Furthermore, he says “They’re, he gonna listen to them more than they’re gonna listen to us, because he’s tired hearing from you Shaq”.

Are you impressed with Gary Payton’s way of parenting? Share your answer with us in the comments.