It’s not easy to be in the good books of Shaquille O’Neal. Just ask Rudy Gobert and Ben Simmons, who often end up on the receiving end of criticism. But it seems the Lakers legend has taken a liking for the Cleveland Cavaliers. During the recent NBA on TNT show, Shaq even predicted that the team would reach greater heights. “OKC and Cleveland in the Finals. That’s what I know will happen for a fact.” He has also identified a star who has been instrumental in the Cavs’ success.

“As a leader of a team, you always say you want your guys to play hard. It’s one way to make them play hard, let them eat,” Shaquille O’Neal said in reference to Evan Mobley and his play style evolution, where he is comfortable enough for others to contribute as well.

“A couple years ago pick set screen rebound. Now they’re letting him bring the ball up. He’s calling plays. When you let a guy eat, he’s going to do things you ain’t even know he can do. And that’s the reason why they have seven guys in double-figure.”

The double-figure stat that the 4x NBA Champion talking about was the following. The Cleveland team leading the eFG% in the NBA. This has been possible because the entire team has been able to contribute effectively. Without one player like Evan Mobley, hogging the ball. In fact, all the Cavs players have career-high eFG%.

Jarrett Allen leads the team with 70%, and Mobley is second with 62%. The rest of the players are also close with Garland at 60%, LeVert and TY Jerome at 59% each. And Okoro rounds off the list with 58%. “They are on pace to be the first team in NBA history to shoot 50% field goal 40% three-pointer,” stated Adam Lefkoe on the show, to his three co-panelists Shaquille O’Neal, Vince Carter, and Jaylen Rose.

The reason why the Big Aristotle has been a vocal supporter of the Cavaliers and Mobley is because of his past experience. Not only as a former Cleveland player but as a leader during his playing time.

Shaquille O’Neal and his role to groom superstars

Since his Orlando Magic days, the Lakers legend played with some great players who turned into legends. Starting from Penny Hardaway, then Kobe Bryant with the Lakers, and not to forget, Dwyane Wade with the Heat. But there were also reports of him being too hard on them which led to his departure. And Shaq accepted his role during the recent show.

“When you’re my guy, I mess with you. I used to call Vince all the time and be like, what are you doing? Stop messing around.” He pointed at Carter and explained how he would motivate and then went on to list his former teammates. “That’s the same thing I did for Penny. When I got Penny. Same thing I did for Kobe. Same thing I did for D-Wade.”

Interestingly, Shaquille O’Neal revealed how LeBron James was the only star teammate whom he didn’t have to push. With the way the Cavs have been playing this season, it seems they also don’t need much motivation from the 4x NBA champion.