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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 06: Shaquille O’Neal appears to promote “Toys for Tots” during the AOL BUILD Series at AOL HQ on December 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)
Getty
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 06: Shaquille O’Neal appears to promote “Toys for Tots” during the AOL BUILD Series at AOL HQ on December 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)
Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets sent headlines all across the world last season. As the world opened up and governments all around the world made vaccines available for the public, Irving made an important health decision. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently opened up regarding his thoughts on Irving’s situation.
According to Shaq, he was convinced to not take the vaccine like Kyrie. However, an important factor in his life changed Shaq’s mind. It is none other than Lucille O’Neal, Shaq’s mother.
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Talking on The Big Podcast with Shaq, the 4 time NBA champion, touched upon the topic and asserted that his mother’s health is one of the biggest factors why he took the vaccine. Moreover, O’Neal stressed the need to sacrifice.
Shaq said, “The whole vaccine thing, that’s his (Kyrie Irving) belief but guess what, I’m looking at 15 other guys who have families, we try to win this championship, we got KD on the team, we have a chance to win. I’mma go ahead and sacrifice.”
“When that whole thing came up, I heard at both sides, I really did. And I said you know what, I’m not gonna take it. But, 5 mins away lives my world, my mother, my queen and I’m out with people, I shake hands and all that. I’m not trying to get my mamma sick, at all,” said the Los Angeles Lakers legend.
Why did Kyrie Irving not play home matches last season?
The Brooklyn Nets had one of the best rosters last season. Players like Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden were expected to perform better considering the sheer amount of talent they possess.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 17, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) stares down Boston Celtics fans heckling from the stands before the start of the first round against the Boston Celtics for the 2022 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
One of the biggest setbacks for the team came in the form of Irving. The former NBA champion refused to take the vaccine, which was necessary for players to play in New York. This is the reason why Irving did not play home matches.
However, he proved his worth on the road. Despite not playing a great number of games, he averaged 27.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.4 rebounds.
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Do you agree with Shaquille O’Neal? Let us know in the comments down below.
Written by
Edited by
Arunaditya Aima