A majority of the NBA buffs felt the Finals between the Celtics and the Mavericks was heavily one-sided. Although it did not kill the hype, fans expected a few more games or at least a game 6. Anyhow, the Boston Celtics grabbed the title in just five games which made Shaq feel the Finals was “boring”. With that said, he shared a controversial take on the Celtics’ Eastern Conference run this year. The Big Diesel did not stop with that. He also put up a challenge for Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Co. for their upcoming season, and he doubts if they can accomplish it. 

In every team that the Boston Celtics faced in the Eastern Conference playoffs this year, there was at least one star player who was injured. Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier in the Miami Heat, Donovan Mitchell and Jarett Allen in the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Tyrese Haliburton in the Indiana Pacers. Although the Celtics did not face the New York Knicks, Shaq believes a fully injured NY roster was a reason why they did not make it to the Conference Finals. 

Shaquille O’Neal said, “Even though they had the championship…Boston had it easy.” Shaq believes the Celtics had a tough path to the championship in their previous titles. But injuries were piled up this year in the East. Does Shaq doubt the talent that the Celtics have? Definitely not. He had them as a contender for the championship in the early weeks of the regular season. 

“It’s not their fault. They won,” said Shaq. Nothing can change the fact that the Celtics won the title this year. However, the 4x champion has a challenge for the Celtics in the upcoming season.

What challenge does Shaq have for the Celtics next year?

With the depth and talent that the Celtics have right now, one can argue that they can three-peat in the next two seasons. But Shaq thinks they are not capable of it. Well, the Big Diesel has every right to say it. Don’t forget his three-peat with Kobe Bryant from 1999-2002. Only three-peat after Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. 

“The road was too easy. When the road stiffens up and they don’t win, then that statement would be verified. Now if they win next year, with all these teams healthy, got to give them their respect. But you know how us haters and commentators do, ‘You got one, win two!’. If you want to impress me, if you want to separate yourself as the best…beat those teams when they are healthy”, challenged Shaq.

Let’s pray that all the teams on East stay healthy in the playoffs next year. That is the only way that the Celtics can prove they are the best franchise for Shaq. Also, with a lot of superstars moving within the East and some coming from the West, the competition is certain to be tight.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video: