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“Michael Jordan Didn’t…”: Tense Disagreement as Shaquille O’Neal Sets Lofty Expectations on Luka Doncic

Published 03/07/2024, 9:07 PM EST

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The sensational baller Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks seems to have some controversy around his gameplay. The fact that the team is losing despite having a great player on their roster is a big letdown. With three consecutive losses on their record, the Mavs will look for a victory against the Heat tonight. Before their match, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal discuss their perspectives on the NBA on TNT. However, the big guns had a huge disagreement on whether his numbers should go up or down.

Evidently, this sets Luka in a position where some expect him to be playing more than one role. Supporting his theory for balancing the roles in a team, Shaquille O’Neal disagreed with his co-analysts on Luka Doncic having to leave the ball. He said, “They will do what great players do, but they don’t do what greatest players should do. I don’t think their numbers should go down. You should be able to do both.”

Read More- New Era Defended as Luka Doncic Critique Gets Shut Down by 2x Champion

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He brought in the six-time NBA champion and NBA-acclaimed best basketball player of all time in the conversation. He said, “Michael Jordan‘s numbers didn’t go down when he started winning.” When Kenny interrupted saying that his numbers did go down Shaq said, “He was able to do both. He was in the leading scorer league when he was wearing a ring. I was in the leading scorer league when I did the championship.” This is when Shaq dropped the mic.

However, his co-analyst panel was in complete opposition. While they would still choose the Dallas Mavericks over the Miami Heat, they want Luka Doncic to change his strategies.

Smith and Barkley go against Shaq on Luka Doncic

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When Ernie asked Chuck who he would choose, he went straight for the Dallas Mavericks. However, he also commented that the Mavericks frustrate him because they should be so much better. He added, “We make a big deal out of Luka’s numbers. His numbers should go down.”

Sir Charles added, “When you play with better players as a great player, the game should be easier, not harder. Your numbers should go down, not up. His numbers are going up, that’s why they’re not winning.”

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Kenny also agreed with Charles Barkley saying, “They’re not utilizing him. The game is not getting easier.”

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The two NBA legends have certainly been in positions where they had to put their teams ahead of them. While they want Luka Doncic to leave the ball and let others ease the field, Mayor McShaq calls his opposition orders. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see whose advice Luka Doncic applies to his games ahead. Which NBA legend do you agree with?

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Written by:

Srashti Sharma

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Srashti Sharma is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports, known for her in-depth researching skills. From the very first time that she heard about Kobe Bryant, she herself cultivated a Mamba Mentality. She loves the competitive nature of the sport which fuels her inner sportswoman.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz