Shaquille O’Neal was quick to dash the hopes of Bucks fans and their star, the Greek Freak. The Milwaukee Bucks, who won the NBA championship in 2021, are looking forward to another title run, this time with 2x NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and newly-acquired Damian Lillard. It will be exciting to watch the duo in action. While O’Neal shares in the excitement, he doesn’t believe the Greek star will secure another championship.

In a recent segment of The Big Podcast, Shaquille O’Neal shared his thoughts on the upcoming championship season. When asked if Antetokounmpo could clinch a title this year, O’Neal acknowledged the player’s determination but suggested the championship may remain out of reach for him this season. Speaking of the reason, he said, “He’s (Giannis) very upset and what I mean by that Boston had the easiest run to a championship ever so I know he’s upset about that however Joel’s upset about that also so he has a chance this year if he’s healthy my answer your question yes I think he’s going to get another ring but I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t do it this year”

During the exchange, Shaquille O’Neal further added, “Because I know like when you’re playing and you’re almost there and then you get hurt and then somebody that you know you can beat wins it. That piss you off all summer so I know he been thinking about that all especially watching those guys go to the Olympics and you know do all this and do all that so hopefully that’s going to be some extra motivation for him.” 

He believes Joel Embiid, who missed his chance this season, would be more determined and must have worked harder over the summer. Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated by the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs. Furthermore, O’Neal highlighted another reason supporting his claim about Embiid’s drive—the Olympics. The 76ers star hasn’t performed at his best during the Olympics, partly due to serious back and knee issues. Heading into the Paris 2024 Olympics, he knew he was risking further injury.

Many expressed concern over this – his Olympic performance was heavily criticized by NBA veterans, legends, and fans. Even now, while Embiid is recovering well, he has been kept out of the preseason due to ongoing knee management. So, O’Neal’s comment was more like dousing the sparks that Antetokounmpo seems to have had first with his controversial comment.

Giannis Antetokounmpo made a bold comment

“Anthony Edwards’ statement that Michael Jordan was the only great player in the NBA received a lot of backlash, as did Antetokounmpo’s comment, which was meant to uplift himself but also seemed to diminish others, according to fans. The ‘Giannis Wall’ is well known—it was a defensive strategy used by opposing teams to contain the Greek Freak.

This strategy was primarily executed by the Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors, and it was first seen during the 2018-19 season. It was a major obstacle for Giannis Antetokounmpo at the time. However, he has since mastered how to navigate the strategy and break through it. With the Bucks, he went on to win the championship title in 2024. While Giannis claimed that other NBA players have shown greatness, none have done so like him.

“I’ve never seen a player that other teams create defense for him ever. Shaq played his game, Kobe played his game, Jordan played his game, KD played his game, LeBron played his game, only one player made the other team create walls for him and it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. So yes, you are witnessing greatness. Thank you so much,” Antetokounmpo said in a conversation with Complex.

Now, Shaquille O’Neal may not be wrong about Embiid, but the current question is whether Antetokounmpo can prove him wrong. Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.