Shaquille O’Neal has been a part of the game of basketball forever. With almost two decades of experience on the floor and almost half as much experience as an analyst and TV commentator, it’s fair to say that Shaq knows a thing or two about basketball. Hence, the Lakers legend was approached by NBA 2K for an exclusive to learn about his hopes for the upcoming 2023–2024 season.

With one of his answers, the Big Aristotle has left us all scratching our heads. When asked who he thinks will win the championship in the upcoming season, Shaq picked a team that did not even make the playoffs last year.

Shaquille O’Neal makes his official pick for the 2023 champions

Shaq revealed in an interview with GQ that this city is one of his favorites to be in. He said it matched his party lifestyle, and he enjoyed playing there during his career. Yet, at first glance, it’s surprising to see them as the title favorites. But considering Big Diesel and his years of basketball knowledge, we cannot take this lightly. O’Neal’s choice for the 2023 NBA champions is the Dallas Mavericks, whose only title came in 2011.

This left fans baffled. Not only did the team miss the playoffs last year, their draft pick was not high either. Furthermore, they did not add any major pieces during the offseason.

Yet, with smaller moves, they have addressed some major issues. The Mavericks have a star-studded backcourt. Luka Doncic is an undeniable top-10 player. There are no questions about his talents or his capabilities on the floor, and he is still ascending as a youngster.

Along with that, the $3.3 billion franchise re-signed Kyrie Irving this offseason. Fans and media have seemed to have forgotten how good he is as a player due to his off-court distractions. This even made ESPN place him #34 in their yearly ranking. This placed him below other guards like Jalen Brunson and Jrue Holiday.

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Even though fans have turned on him, Shaq believes that Kyrie can make things better. That’s why he did not comment when asked about his contract situation as he did not want to cause any trouble for the players..

It’s pretty likely that Kyrie will bounce back and have a good year, as he finally has a place to settle in without all the drama that followed him with the Brooklyn Nets. But it’s Dallas’ new additions are what will elevate them to the next level.

Did the Mavericks get better this offseason?

The major concern for Dallas was their frontcourt, particularly on the defensive side. They needed a big man who was able to protect the ring. So this offseason, they focused on just that.

They traded for Richaun Holmes and resigned Dwight Powell. They also traded for Grant Williams from the Celtics, who can fight in the low post. Most importantly, they drafted Dereck Lively II, who is a young 7’1 big capable of blocking shots at the rim.

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With this, along with the All-Star-level play of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, it would be dangerous to face the Mavericks in the playoffs at any time.

If the players figure out their roles and follow Jason Kidd, who is entering his third season as the head coach, they definitely have a chance at the title. At least, Shaquille O’Neal thinks so!