Shaq Lays Down The Law! Blunt Message to Giannis Antetokounmpo Sends Shockwaves
There is never a shortage of disagreements from TNT’s “Inside the NBA” crew. When the subject turned to the Milwaukee Bucks, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith did not agree on the team’s chances when the NBA playoffs begin.
Smith labeled the Bucks as a potential contender in the Eastern Conference. The former NBA guard pointed to the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard as reason to think the Bucks could make a deep playoff run.
“I think they’re good enough to contend for the Eastern Conference Finals,” Smith explained during TNT’s “NBA Tip-Off” on Thursday. “I think that you have two guys that in seven games, you gotta beat them four nights.”
O’Neal does not appear convinced about the Bucks’ chances. The former NBA superstar pointed to Antetokounmpo scoring just two points in the fourth quarter in the Bucks’ loss to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. O’Neal wants to see more from Antetokounmpo in late-game situations.
“You can’t have two points in the fourth quarter, Kenny,” O’Neal countered.
O’Neal also has an issue with how Bucks head coach Doc Rivers is utilizing Lillard. The legendary center wants to see an end to Milwaukee using Lillard in pick and roll situations.
“You got two high profile players in Milwaukee,” O’Neal explained. “I think Doc Rivers does Damian a disservice to bring him off the pick and roll.
“He’s a guy that can get open. He’s a fabulous shooter, but when you bring him off the pick and roll, he gets trapped, he has to give the ball up. I want him to have the ball in the fourth quarter.”
