Shaquille O’Neal sure has some bizarre ways to motivate players. He gets highly critical of them, placing their every move under scrutiny. It hasn’t proved successful for everyone. But the Cleveland Cavaliers star seems to have taken his criticism quite well and has shown a massive change in his game. However, that hasn’t been enough to take away the Lakers legend’s one major concern for the franchise this season. But it seems his TNT colleague has the answer to the Big Aristotle’s biggest worry.

After the Cavs’ latest matchup against the Magic, the 6x NBA All-Star, Donovan Mitchell has continued to gain traction. He is averaging 24 points per game. And while the Lakers legend is impressed with his performance, there is one thing bothering him when asked about his chances of winning an NBA championship. O’Neal highlighted that the Cavs need another solid player to deliver equal energy and power to the team when Mitchell isn’t able to.

“My only fear for the Cleveland Cavaliers right now he’s averaging 24 points when you get to the postseason, superstars usually add to the PPG four or five points if he’s not. If he has a couple games where he’s off who’s going to be the next person to step up to carry. That’s my only fear for the Cleveland Cavaliers other than that this guy’s playing phenomenal ball and I’m happy for him,” O’Neal said.

Speaking of the Cavaliers, host Adam Lefkoe asked retired NBA player Vince Carter to share his take on who could become a key player for the franchise. Speaking of his former teammate DeAndre Hunter, Carter vouched for the 2019 NCAA champ.

“My former teammate…you see those numbers in 24 minutes he’s averaging like 13 to game, shooting 52% from three and I think what he brings to the table is a 3 and D guy. A guy that can get his own shot when needed but in the playoffs when you need a bucket and Shaq talked about adding more to your score well you can do that because DeAndre Hunter goes out there and guards the best player,” Carter noted. 

Not just Carter, but another panel member, Candace Parker, also believes the same. Across the last five games, he has averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and shot 52% from deep. And the question rounds back to whether Hunter will be able to take up the responsibility. Maybe some motivating words from Shaq might help. Just like it seemingly did for Mitchell.

Shaquille O’Neal’s unhesitatingly criticised Donovan Mitchell

O’Neal’s words of praise for Mitchell came days after a long series of criticism and awkward interviews. In a 2021 interview, O’Neal openly praised the player but also challenged him. “Spida, this is Shaq. I said tonight that you are one of my favorite players, but you don’t have what it takes to get to that next level,” he said. “I said it on purpose, I wanted you to hear it. What do you have to say about that?” the Los Angeles Lakers legend said.

Later, in another interview, he acknowledged that his criticisms for Mitchell had been harsh enough to be mistaken for dislike. However, he clarified that his intent was solely to share his knowledge and spark competitive spirit in Mitchell through criticism. 

“When I like you, I’m on you. It may sound like I’m criticizing you. But I’m giving you tidbits of information that I know firsthand,” O’Neal said. Whether Mitchell heeded O’Neal’s advice is not known but he sure continues to take long strides that has impressed both Big Aristotle and the fans.