Shaquille O'Neal advised Giannis Antetokounmpo to stay away from big-market teams, saying social media has made market size irrelevant in today's NBA.
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo may be on the move this summer, and speculation is heating up about his next destination. But Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal has some advice: don't chase the big-market spotlight.
"I would tell him that, probably, throwing in his face in a bigger market doesn't matter. Social media is the market now," Shaq told Yahoo Sports. "Giannis has made a name for himself on social media. You got to LA, and now 50% of your contract goes to taxes, more pressure, and more stress."
O'Neal encouraged Giannis to take control of the situation from within the Bucks organization.
"He should go upstairs and be like, 'I want to see all the free agents, I want all the phone numbers, I'll talk to them.' He should bring people to him."
Credit AFP - Scanpix
Shaq knows the experience firsthand, having moved from a small-market team (Orlando Magic) to a big-market team (Los Angeles Lakers).
But he says the league has changed dramatically since his playing days.
"You know, when I was coming up, it was a small market. It's too small, and you probably need to go to a big market. I took the pain through that," he said. "But now every market is the same. Nobody cares what city you're in anymore, this ain't the 90s."
Rumors are swirling around Giannis, with the New York Knicks reportedly preparing a "tsunami-type offer," according to Gery Woelfel.
The Boston Celtics are also seen as a potential suitor, possibly offering a package involving Jaylen Brown or combinations like Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White, or Jrue Holiday.
One team not expected to make a run at Giannis is the Los Angeles Lakers. LA likely won't be in the mix without cap space and limited trade assets.
O'Neal's perspective is supported by this year's NBA Finals, featuring two small-market teams: the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. It's a reminder that today, success isn't limited by market size—anything is possible.
Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.