Former Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal’s son Shareef has been under a bit of heat recently. He is currently a member of the G-League Ignite even if he is not actively playing in the NBA. He made a wise developmental choice there, maybe we’ll see him in the league someday.
Robert Horry about Shareef’s Recent Performance
Shareef O’Neal has received criticism from Robert Horry in the past. Horry stated that Shaquille O’Neal should tell his son that “he can’t be playing off the damn O’Neal name.” Additionally, Horry urged the younger O’Neal to “make a stronger effort.”
“I picked up my phone and I was getting ready to call Shaq like ‘Yo man, you gotta tell your son…he can’t be playing off the damn O’Neal name. He gotta go out there and play.’ You gotta put forth some more effort man. You know Shareef’s such a nice kid, that I don’t know if he has that dog in him to go out there and take what he wants.”
Shareef O’Neal’s Response
In a recent response to Robert Horry’s critiques, Shareef O’Neal stated that he was aware that the criticism was offered “outta love and no disrespect.” He said that he is “going in the correct step” as well.
“I know this outta love and no disrespect!!! I got you BIG SHOT but you know who raised me, I don’t quit. Always been taught to go get it and take it. Been heading in the right step …like I said I got you! You’ll see”
It is evident from this statement that Shareef O’Neal handled the criticism effectively. We have seen players like Fred VanVleet become All-Stars despite coming from the G-League, proving that the G-League is a realistic route to the league.
After his time in the G-League, perhaps Shareef O’Neal returns to the league. Even while it seems doubtful that he’ll be as dominant a player as Shaquille O’Neal, he might still have a successful career.
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