There’s been a lot of noise coming from NBA players about the strenuous season and short turnaround from last year, and how that’s been a direct correlation with the injuries from so many star players this post season.
One player in particular who’s had a lot to say about it, is LeBron James. He took to Twitter to voice his concerns:
They all didn’t wanna listen to me about the start of the season. I knew exactly what would happen. I only wanted to protect the well being of the players which ultimately is the PRODUCT & BENEFIT of OUR GAME! These injuries isn’t just “PART OF THE GAME”. It’s the lack of PURE
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 16, 2021
works all year round it’s ME! I speak for the health of all our players and I hate to see this many injuries this time of the year. Sorry fans wish you guys were seeing all your fav guys right now. 🙏🏾👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 16, 2021
However, this has raised a lot of disagreement between current, and former players, including Shaq.
The man voiced his disdain of James’ comments in an interview with CNBC:
“When you’re living in a world where 40 million people have been laid off and I’m making $200 million, you won’t get no complaining from me. I’d play back to back to back.
I’m not knocking what anybody said, but me personally, I don’t complain and make excuses, because real people are working their tail off and all we gotta do is train two hours a day and then play a game for two hours at night and make a lot of money… so my thought process is a little different.”
Now I’m not taking either side, because I’m that guy who can’t even dribble a basketball with my left hand. I don’t know what it’s like to be in NBA player’s shoes, but it is pretty cool to hear Shaq put things in perspective about just how good those guys in the league have it made.
If I had to throw in my 10 cents worth, I think it all has to do with the length of the NBA postseason, as it feels like it lasts six months. From start to finish, it’s best of seven series with very quick turnaround between each series.
It’ll be intriguing to see how the NBA responds to these player’s concerns, or if they change anything at all.
I guess we’ll find out, but either way, you have to appreciate Shaq’s perspective… and who doesn’t love anyone calling out LeBron James’ whiney ass?
