The constant struggle between players from yesteryears and current NBA players has been prevalent for years. However, the most recent victim of backlash from the game’s greats was James Harden. While his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers has been a mixed bag, a former legend from his old hunting grounds made some fiery comments about the Beard.?
Joining in on the harshness was none other than four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal.
Shaquille O’Neal agrees with James Harden’s critique
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Over the last few years, Harden has seen a steady decline in his value around the league. While he was at the top of the league in 2020, his star power has seen a downward trajectory ever since. The spiral began after his ugly trade out of Houston Rockets to Brooklyn.
However, after mediocre performances for a year, James forced his way out of yet another team. This time, he was looking to reunite with former Rockets GM, Daryl Morey. But, it seems like that reunion was short-lived.
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After a year and a half, the former MVP has demanded out again. However, critics are starting to circle. Chief among them was former Rocket legend himself, Tracy McGrady. One of the greatest scorers ever, McGrady is a true legend of the sport.
However, while criticizing Harden, the 2-time Scoring Champ cut no corners. “James has probably played with more HOF-ers than anybody in the league, and he doesn’t have a ring to show for it. I don’t know what he’s looking for.”?
But, it seems like T-Mac isn’t the only NBA legend criticizing the Beard’s?move.
Shaquille O’Neal in support of T-Mac
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Recently, Shaquille O’Neal aired his support for McGrady’s comments, sharing it on his IG story. After a tense exchange between the two last year, it seems like all is well between the two legends.
On the Big Podcast with Shaq, the two got to discussing MVP awards once. McGrady felt like his case was overlooked in 2003, alluding to his impressive scoring numbers that helped drag Orlando Bubble to the playoffs. But, once Shaq realized it was Tim Duncan who won the award, he was not for it. According to O’Neal, Duncan deserved the award, no question.
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Duncan’s case was supreme. However, did Shaq’s own defeat in the conference finals that season be a case of the big man trying to save his own skin? While we may never know the answer to that, it seems like the two Orlando superstars have mended fences.
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