"That tarnishes it" - Shaquille O'Neal suggests Kevin Durant to embrace 'bus driver' role on Suns to make case for GOAT status
NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has always been critical of Kevin Durant, as he expects him to be one of the great players in the league. In an episode of "The Big Podcast with Shaq," the former LA Lakers star urged the Phoenix Suns standout to step up and take charge if he wants to be recognized as one of the GOATs.
O'Neal had former NBA player Lou Williams as his guest on his podcast. They touched on the legacy of Durant, as many view him as a great player. In January, KD said he should be part of the GOAT conversation and not let his move to the Golden State Warriors affect his legacy.
This led to O'Neal asking his guest if he agreed with Durant's statement.
"KD says his name should be discussed in the Greatest of All-Time. Agree or disagree?" O'Neal asked Lou Williams.
Williams agreed and pointed out that KD's move to Golden State was just bad timing. However, Shaq doesn't think the Suns star should be in the GOAT talk. He said:
"I think he has his own special category. Like me, I'm not in the GOAT conversation, but I am one or two of the most dominant players ever. He's one of two of the most prolific, dominant scorers ever. You lose to Golden State, and then you go join them; I think that tarnishes it.
"If he can win one where he's the 'bus driver,' like Charles [Barkley] always say, I think we would definitely have to put him in that conversation."
What did Shaquille O'Neal mean when he said "bus driver"?
In 2022, Durant was criticized by Charles Barkley. He was a member of the Brooklyn Nets at the time, and they lost the NBA Playoffs opening round to the Boston Celtics. While KD averaged 26.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists in that round, it wasn't enough to lead the team past the Celtics.
Chuck then chastised the two-time champion on TNT's "Inside the NBA." He called out the 2014 MVP to be the "bus driver" and lead the team. Barkley addressed Durant as a "bus rider" for failing to lead the Nets.
However, Durant didn't like what Barkley said and clapped back on Instagram.
"Where would Chuck be without the big homies," Durant captioned after posting a picture of Barkley with other stars.
Even with that, Barkley hasn't stopped himself from criticizing Durant.