Shaquille O’Neal and Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee got into it on Twitter Thursday night, after a Doctor Strange-themed video aired on TNT’s Inside the NBA featuring McGee career lowlights.
And on Friday, Warriors superstar Kevin Durant came to his teammate’s defense in this feud with Shaq, referring to Shaq as a “cop” and a “shitty free throw shooter” that had “no skill”:
Kevin Durant comes to JaVale McGee's defense vs Shaq: "I didn't know cops could threaten civilians like that" pic.twitter.com/gsx79h04c8
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 24, 2017
“I understand Shaq works for a company that wants him to do that type of stuff, make fun of the players,” Durant said. “It’s cool and funny, but when you just keep doing it time and time and time again for no reason — and then the guy actually disagrees with you and you threaten him? I didn’t know cops could threaten civilians like that.”
“Shaq was a shitty free throw shooter. He missed dunks, he airballed free throws, he couldn’t shoot outside the paint. He was bigger than everybody. He didn’t have no skill.”
The Comeback’s Liam McGuire wondered if Shaq would respond to these comments:
Will Shaq address Durant’s comments? I hope so. It’s easy to rip McGee. But Durant? Let’s see if Shaq takes a shot at a superstar.
And Shaq has indeed responded to those comments from Durant on Twitter, just a few hours later:
@KDTrey5 mind yo business this ain't for you,
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 24, 2017
@KDTrey5 I understand u sticking up for your teammate that's cool but your boy @JaValeMcGee34 is still a bum, he started it I'm a finish it
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 24, 2017
So, we now have a three-way feud! But seriously, these feuds between TNT analysts and current players are getting a bit ridiculous. I will say that this feud is at least more entertaining than the LeBron James-Charles Barkley one.
I find Shaq’s behavior in this case unprofessional and offensive. I look forward to Turner Broadcasting taking action, unless they condone it, in which case, they have a bigger problem.
“These are grown adults.”
Playing a children’s game. Let’s keep that in mind also.