Shaquille O’Neal has been dominating NBA conversations for over three decades—first as one of the most unstoppable forces the league has ever seen, and now as one of TV’s most entertaining analysts. Whether he’s breaking down game footage or breaking into laughter with Charles Barkley on Inside the NBA, Shaq’s voice carries serious weight.
But on a recent episode of The Big Podcast—his show with NBA on TNT co-host Adam Lefkoe—Shaq made it crystal clear: not everyone belongs in the Hall of Fame.
The topic? Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum. Lefkoe argued that Tatum, at just 27 years old, already has a Hall of Fame-worthy résumé. Shaq’s response? Pure classic Diesel.
“You (expletive) just throwing people in there now,” Shaq snapped, clearly not sold. He doubled down with a hilarious reference to the 2007 heist flick Ocean’s Thirteen. “I’m going to break into the Hall of Fame and take all of my (expletive) out,” he joked. “You just throwing people in there now.”
Now, don’t get it twisted—Shaq wasn’t hating on Tatum. He actually respects the guy’s game. But for Shaq, the Hall of Fame is sacred territory. It’s not just about being really good—it’s about being an all-time bad man on the court.
He even cited a quote from fellow legend Isiah Thomas: “There’s a bad (expletive) Hall of Fame and there’s a basketball Hall of Fame.” According to Shaq, those aren’t always the same thing.
And while Tatum’s numbers are impressive—six All-Star nods, five All-NBA selections, and now, an NBA title with the Celtics—Shaq is still holding the bar high. Tatum’s career averages of 23.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists are solid, but in Shaq’s eyes, they don’t yet scream “immortality.”
Let’s be real—Shaq’s standards are sky-high. The man won four rings, an MVP award, and still sits among the NBA’s top 10 all-time scorers. He’s not just in the Hall of Fame—he is the Hall of Fame.
But don’t think Shaq’s writing Tatum off entirely. He sees the potential. He just wants the basketball world to stop rushing greatness. “He’s not done yet,” Shaq implied. “Let the story unfold first.”
And that’s the Shaq way: dominate first, celebrate later. In the meantime, expect him to keep holding that Hall of Fame gate shut—unless, of course, someone really deserves to walk through.