Shaquille O’Neal delivers scathing assessment of NBA’s direction as Finals approach

Shaquille O’Neal delivers scathing assessment of NBA’s direction as Finals approach

O'Neal says the NBA is getting 'soft'

Shaquille O'Neal before Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden June 6, 2024, in Boston. (David Butler II/USA Today Sports)

Shaquille O'Neal (right) talks prior to Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse May 25, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)

Shaquille O'Neal watches Game 4 of the 2024 Western Conference finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center May 28, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (Jerome Miron/USA Today Sports)