Shaquille O'Neal calls out Jusuf Nurkic for contemplating suing Draymond Green: 'Going to ruin my big man alliance'
Shaquille O'Neal was often feared by opposing defenses back in his prime playing days in the NBA. Interestingly, he had some strong words for Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic on "The Big Podcast." He found this report of Nurkic saying that he was "contemplating" suing Draymond Green after taking a hit from him to the face on Dec. 12, 2023, during a regular season matchup.
It was an ugly altercation between the two that resulted in the indefinite suspension of the Warriors forward. With the notion of pressing charges against Draymond Green, the "Big Diesel" had a problem with it. Here's what he said on the matter.
"Now I have a problem with that," O'Neal said. "Because one, it just shows how soft you are as a big man. You're going to ruin what I created in the big man alliance. So for you to say, even thinking about saying you pressing charges, you're soft. This is something I would tell you to your face if I saw you."
O'Neal played in an NBA era that was regarded as one of the toughest basketball eras in league history. From the legendary big man's perspective, he prefers players to maintain a tough-minded attitude on the court, considering how much the league has changed over the years.
He also went ahead and said that one of the reasons Green hit him was because the Warriors forward knew that he was not going to hit or fight back.
Shaquille O'Neal isn't known for backing down against competition or instigators, which was highly evident when he was still playing in the league. When it comes to reports or issues regarding the NBA's big man today, O'Neal makes sure that his perspective remains heard.
Jusuf Nurkic responds to Shaquille O'Neal
Following Shaquille O'Neal's strong words for Jusuf Nurkic, the Suns big man came right back with a response. Interestingly, he claimed that he didn't say anything about "pressing charges" against Draymond Green, via X.
"Lmao, first I never said that!" Nurkic said. "People be making s*** up lol. Shaqilović I'm not from here, I'm not losing money and nobody fighting in this NBA..."
Nurkic's response does make O'Neal look unreliable with his sources, making his comments out of pocket as a result. It was a level-headed comment from Nurkic, despite the former Lakers big man dragging his name on his podcast.
In a podcast setting, O'Neal might be able to speak out his unfiltered thoughts and takes on basketball topics, considering the free-form structure of the platform.
Given that Jusuf Nurkic's response is still fresh, it remains to be seen if Shaquille O'Neal will still respond after his source's validity is in question.