Tracy McGrady Calls Out Shaquille O’Neal for Questioning DeMar DeRozan’s MVP Candidacy

The Most Valuable Player in the NBA ideally indicates who the best player in the league is. As a former NBA league MVP, Shaquille O’Neal knows exactly what it takes to reach the mountaintop. During the 1999-00 season, the big man did exactly that. He averaged nearly 30 points a game along with 14 rebounds as he pushed the Lakers to a title win. So it is quite clear from his prior experience that Shaq can identify an MVP caliber player when he sees one.

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As the years have gone by, the league has witnessed several MVPs and this season is no different. The stars tend to dominate their oppositions and hence nominate themselves for the award. But once in a while, we do get to witness someone new being spoken about in the MVP race. This season has been one of those rare occasions and the player in question is DeMar DeRozan. In light of this, Shaq and his co-hosts discussed DeRozan’s MVP candidacy for his performances this season.

Shaquille O’Neal on DeMar DeRozan

While the crew on TNT were discussing the Eastern Conference standings, both Dwyane Wade and Tracy McGrady were of the opinion that DeMar DeRozan was in the MVP conversation for his outstanding performances this season. Thereafter, McGrady asked Shaq about his opinion, and the latter mentioned that he, too, felt the same. However, Shaq was called out for not having the same opinion previously.

“You ain’t say that earlier though,” said T-Mac as he called out Shaq.

“No, because the word ‘conversation’ means something different to me. It means 1 or 2. But if you’re talking Top 5, yes, definitely Top 5,” said Shaq as he explained why he previously didn’t consider DeRozan in the MVP race.

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DeMar DeRozan This Season

DeMar DeRozan has been on a tear this season. Under his leadership and experience, the Bulls have managed to experience a turnaround season as compared to last year. Furthermore, the additions of Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, although now injured, have proved beneficial for the team’s success. This season DeRozan has enjoyed a career-high average in points scored per game, and is also shooting his best ever from beyond the arc among the 3 teams that he has played for.

As the season moves forward, DeRozan and the Bulls will hope to continue winning games and make a statement of arrival to the rest of the NBA. And like any other team, they will push for the title. With DeRozan on their squad, they truly believe that the sky is the limit.

What do you think of DeRozan breaking Jordan’s Bulls record? Let us know in the comments below.