Former WNBA star serves up a spicy reality check for Shaquille O’Neal’s hot takes.
Candace Parker has officially had it with Shaquille O’Neal’s armchair basketball advice. You’d think after dominating in the NBA for 19 years, Shaq would know a thing or two about hoops, right? Well, not according to Parker, who’s tired of hearing his oh-so-simple basketball philosophy that, to be fair, works best when you’re a 7-foot, 300-pound giant.
In a recent appearance on Bloomberg Originals, Parker aired her frustrations with Shaq’s signature advice: just get the ball and score. Easy, right? Just waltz into the paint and make it rain. For Shaq, this “barbecue chicken” approach was a breeze — probably because his defenders were biting off more than they could chew. But Parker? Well, she’s quick to point out that not every player has the luxury of being a human bulldozer.
“The battle I have with Shaq all the time is, he’s like, ‘just get the ball and score,’” Parker said, rolling her eyes in disbelief. “And I’m like, ‘Shaq, not everybody is 7 feet, 300 pounds. It’s not barbecue chicken for me! I gotta actually do a couple moves.’”
Translation? Shaq might’ve eaten up his competition, but Parker’s play is all about finesse, technique, and making magic happen without the advantage of being an NBA-sized titan. For most players, scoring isn’t as easy as smothering your opponents like sauce on ribs — it’s more of a delicate recipe.
Shaq’s Questionable Takes on the WNBA
This isn’t the first time Shaq has delivered his unsolicited advice about the women’s game either. Not too long ago, he made headlines with his suggestion that the WNBA should lower the rims to encourage more dunks. Yes, you heard that right — lower the rims. For Shaq, dunks equal excitement, so why not throw the women a bone and make the baskets easier to reach?
But WNBA stars like Angel Reese weren’t having it. “So that we can dunk? No! I hate when men say that,” she snapped, channeling the frustrations of players and fans who want women’s basketball to be appreciated for its own style of play. After all, isn’t it thrilling enough without trying to be a carbon copy of the men’s game?
You’d think someone who’s been around basketball as long as Shaq might grasp the concept of different styles of play, but hey, the Big Diesel has always had his own way of looking at things. Maybe that’s why he’s always sparking these debates in the first place — for better or worse.
Shaq Still Has Love for Parker
Despite the back-and-forth banter, there’s no denying the respect Shaq has for Candace Parker. Earlier this year, after Parker announced her retirement from the WNBA, Shaq took a heartfelt moment on Inside the NBA to show his softer side. “I don’t have a question… Just want to say I love you. I’m so proud of you,” Shaq told Parker, in a rare display of vulnerability that had everyone feeling the love.
So, while the two may disagree on tactics, rim heights, and what exactly constitutes “barbecue chicken,” the camaraderie between them is undeniable. And honestly, that’s what makes the whole thing entertaining. Their debates aren’t just about basketball — they’re a reflection of the ongoing conversation about the evolving landscape of the game, especially as the WNBA continues to grow and garner more attention.
The Final Word: Shaq vs. Parker
In the end, whether you’re team “Shaq Attack” or rolling with Parker’s smooth moves, one thing’s for sure — their basketball debates aren’t slowing down anytime soon. And with the WNBA on the rise, thanks to players like Parker and rising stars like Angel Reese, these discussions are bringing more eyes and excitement to the game. So, Shaq, maybe it’s time to grab a plate and let the ladies serve up some real basketball lessons. Because it’s not always barbecue chicken out there — sometimes it’s more like a chess match.
And Shaq? Well, maybe the Big Fella will just have to sit back and enjoy the meal.
