Shaq Makes Strong Jayson Tatum Statement During Hall of Fame Conversation

Shaquille O’Neal is a big man with big opinions. Affectionately known as “Shaq”, the Hall of Famer has continued an impressive run of success in his post-playing career.

While becoming an integral part and staple of “Inside the NBA” on TNT, O’Neal has also carved out time to co-host multiple podcasts since retiring from the NBA. It’s on this platform, where O’Neal’s unfiltered opinions can roam freely.

The four-time NBA champion, and one-time NBA MVP, was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. After calling it quits in 2011 after an incredible 19-year-career, O’Neal feels qualified to give his opinion on current players who deserve to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

During an episode of “The Big Podcast” this week, alongside Adam Lefkoe, O’Neal made a strong statement when Lefkoe suggested Jayson Tatum‘s NBA resume, through just eight seasons, should put him in the Hall of Fame.

He’s a Hall of Famer? You motherf***ers are just throwing people (Jayson Tatum) in there now,” O’Neal said.

Lefkoe ran down Tatum’s list of accomplishments through his eight-year-career. Tatum has been named to three All-NBA First Teams, has been named an All-Star five times, and has won an Olympic gold medal.

Tatum, who suffered a gruesome torn left Achilles tendon during the Eastern Conference semifinals, will likely miss a large portion of the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season.

O’Neal went on to elaborate on the current NBA players, outside of LeBron James who is assured a spot, who deserve to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“I would have to go (Stephen) Curry, he’s got three or four rings. Giannis (Antetokounmpo), and Joker (Nikola Jokic),” O’Neal said.