Shaquille O'Neal backs Stephen Jackson's criticism of NBA stars valuing money over championships, hinting at Gilbert Arenas and Jeff Teague
Shaquille O'Neal was in agreement with Stephen Jackson's scathing criticism of NBA players choosing money over championships. The latter generated headlines when he revealed that he would rather have $50,000,000 and a ring over $100,000,000. O'Neal was in agreement as he took to Instagram to share Jackson's comments on his stories.
Here's the clip of Jackson calling out NBA stars, allegedly hinting at Jeff Teague and Gilbert Arenas.
It's worth noting that Arenas was the one sparking the debate on his podcast. He explained that he would rather have the $100,000,000 in his bank account rather than a ring.
He cited finances as the reason behind it as players were sometimes forced to sell their silverware in order to be financially stable. But Jackson, who won a title with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003 didn't agree.
During his time in the NBA, Jackson played for multiple franchises including the Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and the LA Clippers.
But in his 14 years in the league, he has just one championship to his name and according to HoopsHype, made an estimated $68,866,243. But he was happy that he had one ring to show for.
Shaquille O'Neal saw more success financially, but his thoughts show he cared more for the championships
While Stephen Jackson and Gilbert Arenas had their own takes on money and titles, Shaquille O'Neal sided with the former as he knew that the championships were what he would be remembered for in the NBA.
In his 19 seasons in the league, O'Neal won four championships — three with the Los Angeles Lakers, and one with the Miami Heat.
From a financial standpoint, he made roughly $286,344,668 during his playing days and ended his career with money flush in his bank account. But that was also because he was one of the most bankable superstars in the league.
That said, he would have picked maybe another title or two if he had to choose between the money and championships. He was destined to go down as one of the more legendary big men in the NBA, and he did — with both money and the championships.