"That's a corporate answer" - Shaquille O'Neal doesn't buy Cade Cunningham's take on rivalry with Jalen Green

Cade Cunningham's Detroit Pistons knocked off Jalen Green's Houston Rockets 107-96 on Monday in a battle between the 2021 NBA draft's top two picks. A day after the statement road win, Cunningham reflected on his apparent budding rivalry with Green. However, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal jokingly pushed back, questioning his true feelings.

Cunningham got the best of Green during Monday's head-to-head clash. He finished with a game-high 32 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three 3-pointers, shooting 54.5% as his upstart Pistons moved back above .500 (22-21). Meanwhile, Green had an off shooting night, recording 19 points on 38.1% shooting as his Rockets fell to 28-14.

On Tuesday, Cunningham made a guest appearance on TNT's NBA broadcast. The fourth-year player was asked about him and Green seemingly elevating their intensity whenever they face off. He attributed it to them being compared to one another since high school.

"It's exactly that. We want to compete against each other. They've always put us up against each other since high school, as far as who's better. I think we both kinda enjoy to be able to head up against each other and see who's the best."

TNT's Adam Lefkoe pointed out that Cunningham and Green didn't engage in "handshakes before the game." Afterward, the All-Star hopeful noted that pleasantries are unnecessary.

"I don't think we need any of that," Cunningham said. "We both kinda know what it is."

However, O'Neal seemingly wasn't buying his response. Instead, the four-time NBA champion quipped that Cunningham appeared to be holding back from sharing his true thoughts about Green.

"He's smart because that was a corporate answer. But I know," O'Neal said.

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Shaquille O'Neal on Cade Cunningham's All-Star prospects

As for Shaquille O'Neal's thoughts on Cade Cunningham's career year, the Hall of Famer endorsed him for an All-Star selection during Tuesday's broadcast.

"I know what an All-Star is. I'm telling it to your face, you are an All-Star," O'Neal said (Timestamp: 1:05). "If I had a vote, I would definitely vote you in."

Through 39 outings, Cunningham is averaging a career-high 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.8 blocks and 2.4 3-pointers per game, shooting 45.3%.

Meanwhile, Detroit (22-21) has already surpassed last season's win total (14-68) by eight. So, Cunningham seemingly has a compelling case for his first All-Star nod.

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