Shaquille O’Neal criticizes Chet Holmgren, a contender for Rookie of the Year.

Shaquille O’Neal makes critical comments about Rookie of the Year candidate Chet Holmgren

It seems like Shaquille O’Neal has discovered a new young big guy to target.

This week, former NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal went viral for his disparaging remarks directed at Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren. On a podcast episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” O’Neal made the comments.

O’Neal took issue with a co-host who called Holmgren “phenomenal,” saying, “Y’all throwin’ around words that we had to work hard for.” “‘Phenomenal’ is not the appropriate term. He’s decent, but don’t call him a “future Hall of Famer,” “promising,” or “great.” You guys can’t be giving these people stuff when they aren’t even trying.”

This is just typical of O’Neal, who attempts to portray his hatred of practically every rookie NBA player as motivation for them to succeed. Even for O’Neal, though, objecting to the description of Holmgren as “phenomenal” is a whole other level of gatekeeping.

Just two months into his first professional season, Holmgren, 21, has proven deserving of it with his play. Along with the all-around play of colleagues like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, he is a big part of the Thunder’s amazing 20-9 record. He is averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. He is also shooting threes with efficiency.

However, none of that suffices to stop the man from “Kazaam” from making Holmgren his next target. If Holmgren responds to O’Neal’s jabs with the same poise that this other elite NBA center has in the past, only time will tell.