This season was forgettable at best for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Although he was among the MVP contenders for the season, his team could not move past the Miami Heat challenge. Additionally, the Milwaukee Bucks star was heavily criticized for his comments and views regarding this season.

Among the people who criticized Antetokounmpo was Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq showed him some tough love while pointing out the mistakes that the 2x MVP and his team made. Recently, the NBA legend is rumored to be on the lookout for an NBA team ownership. Amidst the buzz, Shaq embraced the Florida-based team, despite their failure in providing good results for the franchise.

Shaquille O’Neal embraces Florida-based NBA team that he could buy

The 4x NBA champion doesn’t mince his words and speaks like a passionate individual. So when the Bucks were knocked out by the Heat, it was obvious that the Big Aristotle would share a few words. Soon enough, the Bucks main man, the Greek Freak did a press conference and blurted out his feelings regarding how he was being treated. Antetokounmpo had said that the season was not a failure and that not winning a championship could not be equated to failure. While several people agreed with what the star said, many others did not. Shaq belonged to the latter group of people.

Shaq’s reply to Antetokounmpo was based on several reality checks that he gave. The Big Man said that Antetokounmpo needs to acknowledge that the season was a failure, however, he added that the Bucks star is definitely not a failure. In fact, the LA Lakers legend said that the 28-year-old is one of the best to have ever graced the game. Now about a month later, the Bucks’ elimination at the hands of the Heat was brought back into conversation on The Big Podcast. Nischelle Turner asked the panel if the Bucks were treated too harshly for getting knocked out by an eighth seed.

Diesel immediately disagreed and proceeded with an explanation. He said, “We go for them gold balls, if you don’t get it it’s a failure. Period. Point blank.” The Big Man continued with what he had said at the time about the importance of winning a championship. He also referenced Orlando Magic while making a point, the team he could potentially buy in the future. “You wasn’t going to make it anyway,” he said about Magic and the lack of expectation from the team as compared to a top-seeded Bucks.

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Notably, Shaq had shown interest in becoming an owner in the NBA. When he was asked about what franchise he will likely go for, he said “A certain team in Florida,” clarifying that it’s not the Heat. Magic is the only other team based in Florida.

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