Shaquille O’Neal’s controversial Zion Williamson take has NBA fans agreeing with LeBron James

Shaquille O’Neal had some unflattering words for Zion Williamson, and NBA fans believe he inadvertently proved LeBron James right.

There has been a lot of discourse over the last few weeks about NBA players and the media. The contentious relationship between the two sides is reaching a boiling point.

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It all started when Anthony Edwards said he didn’t want to be the face of the NBA. Many in the media were critical of Edwards for what he said.

LeBron James, on the other hand, was supportive of Edwards, noting that many analysts, a lot of whom were players of the previous era, just want to be critical of the current product and group of players.

Clearly there is a divide between the two sides that isn’t going down well. And Shaquille O’Neal just accidentally poured gasoline over the fire.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Read More: Luka Doncic can take on the role Anthony Edwards doesn’t want, playing with LeBron James will prepare him for it

Shaquille O’Neal slams Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson just put up his second career triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. While his impressive performance got the Pelicans a win, Shaquille O’Neal was not happy.

Shaq noted that Zion shouldn’t be getting praised for scoring 20 points as that is the standard in the NBA. He demands more from Zion and wants his performances to translate to winning basketball.

“Are you giving him props for that? I need more… Anybody can get 20 points now. That’s not good enough. I’m not impressed by that.”

“If they’re [New Orleans Pelicans] in third or fourth place and you got those numbers, I’m impressed. You need to do more, Zion – I love you.”

O’Neal’s comments read as harsh, even though he tried delivering them in an encouraging manner. NBA fans did not take kindly to this, reacting on social media.

Read More: When Charles Barkley took offense to Zion Williamson comparison, ‘it’s disrespectful’

NBA fans go off on Shaq’s words

Fans on X did not hold back on Shaquille O’Neal for what he said about Zion Williamson. One fan noted, “This is exactly what players are talking about when not wanting to be the face of the league.”

“LeBron was right,” wrote Eddie Gonzales, a close associate of Kevin Durant. Another fan added, “I promise it’s okay to say, ‘well done, Zion, but I want to see you take it up a notch.’”

“These old heads be hating all players, no props given for even a good game,” bemoaned a frustrated NBA fan.

Another fan added, “Shaq is doing actual damage to the league and how fans (new and old) approach the game. Sad to see. So bitter day after day.”

Not everyone was critical of O’Neal, with one fan writing, “Respectfully, Shaq might be right. Zion can be all time. He can average something like this if he put his mind to it.”

Clearly, O’Neal is taking pelters from fans for being critical after a player who has struggled with injuries finally finds his groove back.

Hopefully, the new wave of NBA media takes a more appreciative tone with players. Criticism is important, but slamming players for no good reason will turn fans away from the sport.