Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley locked horns several times during their playing days in the NBA. Now, the duo can be seen throwing jibes at each other quite frequently on Inside The NBA. Basketball fans adore the comedic duo whenever they are live on television. Adding another chapter to their iconic rivalry off the court, Charles Barkley caught the attention of the NBA world after he directed a subtle shot in the direction of the four-time NBA champion while praising the recently crowned Rookie of the Year.

Apart from being two of the greatest players in NBA history, Barkley and O’Neal have made a name for themselves as analysts as well. The duo leaves no chance of poking fun at each other. Safe to say, these two are among the most loved television personalities in the basketball world right now.

Charles Barkley’s subtle shot at Shaquille O’Neal amuses NBA fans

Although Orlando Magic failed to qualify for the playoffs, the 2022 NBA Draft #1 pick Paolo Banchero raised many eyebrows with his exceptional performances. In his first season, Paolo averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Well, the NBA didn’t let his efforts go in vain as he was felicitated with the prestigious ‘Rookie of the Year’ award. In a conversation with Banchero, Barkley heaped praise on the 20-year-old. He said, “Other than Dwight Howard, you’re another great Orlando [Magic] big man. Not many great men in Orlando. You’re second already behind Dwight.” 

Barkley made a bold claim by calling Banchero the best big man after Dwight Howard knowing full well that his co-host Shaquille O’Neal started his career in the league with the Orlando Magic. He made waves when he entered the league with his ability to dominate the paint. Barkley’s statement left NBA fans in splits as they figured out the subtle shot at Shaq.

One fan commented, “we gotta see shaqs face when he said this”.

While another fan assumed O’Neal would be angry with Barkley’s statement. He wrote, “Shaq out of the shot popping every vessel in his face holding in his yells”.

Although Banchero is a phenomenal young player, many would agree that he is still nowhere close to a young Shaquille O’Neal. In his rookie season in the year 1993, Shaq averaged 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and over 3 blocks per game. He was an asset on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court.

It can be said that Barkley was trying to poke O’Neal with his comments. Irrespective of this, Shaq would not have been happy to hear Barkley’s words.

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