Shaq Drops Bombshell NBA Finals Take: ‘Big Market Teams Are Tr*sh!’ Inside His Explosive Rant With Jason & Travis That’ll Change How You See the Playoffs Forever

When NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal speaks, the sports world listens — especially when he’s not holding back. On a fiery and hilarious episode of the New Heights podcast with NFL brothers Jason and Travis Kelce, Shaq dropped a bold take that’s shaking up the basketball conversation: “The big market teams ain’t f**king good enough.”

What started as a casual, fun-loving chat between three of the biggest names in sports quickly escalated into a no-holds-barred conversation about this year’s NBA Finals and the dramatic power shift happening in the league.

No Love for the Usual Suspects

“I’m just gonna say it,” Shaq began, his tone light but pointed. “The big market teams? The Lakers, Knicks, Warriors — they ain’t f**king good enough. They ain’t built for it this year.”

Jason Kelce chuckled and asked, “You trying to stir the pot again, man?”

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But Shaq was dead serious. “No pot-stirring. Just facts. You look at teams like Boston and Dallas — they hungry, they gritty, and they cohesive. Ain’t about the flash. Ain’t about market size. It’s about basketball.”

Shaq’s words come as the 2025 NBA Finals have officially kicked off with the Boston Celtics squaring off against the Dallas Mavericks — two teams that, while storied and popular, don’t carry the same media glitz as the Lakers or Knicks. And yet, they’re the ones competing for the title.

A New Era of NBA Contenders

“This ain’t 2010,” Shaq said, nodding to the league’s shifting dynamics. “You can’t just throw three stars together and expect a ring. You need coaching, chemistry, defense, role players. Teams like the Lakers? Man, they looked tired.”

Travis Kelce, ever the charismatic hype-man, jumped in with a laugh: “You’re not wrong, Big Fella. I watched Bron and them — felt like they were just out there hoping for a miracle.”

Shaq didn’t hesitate to echo that. “I love Bron. That’s my guy. But basketball is a young man’s game now. You can’t carry a squad with 39-year-old knees, I don’t care how great you are.”

He also pointed out that despite the New York Knicks making a strong playoff run this year, they were “just too beat up and too reliant on iso-ball.”

“Jalen Brunson’s a beast, no doubt,” Shaq said, “but he can’t do it alone. That’s the problem with these big market teams — they too caught up in legacy, not enough in team-building.”

Shaq’s Respect for the Finals Matchup

Despite his strong words, Shaq showed major love to both Finals teams. “Luka [Dončić] is like Larry Bird and Magic had a baby. And Jayson Tatum — that boy grew up. This Finals? It’s going to be a chess match.”

The Kelce brothers pressed him for a prediction, and Shaq didn’t hesitate. “I got Boston in 6. Too deep, too smart, too experienced. Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Tatum, Brown — they got defense, length, and no ego. That’s rare in this league.”

Travis raised an eyebrow. “No chance for Dallas?”

“I give Luka two wins just outta respect,” Shaq replied. “He’s the most skilled player on that floor. But the Celtics been waiting for this moment. They got embarrassed last year. They not letting it happen again.”

Jason nodded. “And they got that chip on their shoulder. You can tell they’re locked in.”

Shaq agreed. “Ain’t no dancing. Ain’t no podcasting. These boys want rings.”

The Kelces Talk Superteams, Shaq Says “It’s Over”

Jason brought up the era of “superteams” — and whether those days are over. “You think we’re seeing the end of the whole ‘get three stars together and win a title’ thing?”

Shaq didn’t even flinch. “That sh*t’s dead. Look at Phoenix. KD, Booker, Beal — all hoopers. And they couldn’t even make the second round.”

He pointed out that team basketball has returned, and it’s being led by well-constructed rosters like the Celtics, Nuggets, and Mavericks.

“Denver was my favorite coming in,” Shaq said. “But Boston? They built like an old-school team. They defend, they move the ball, and they don’t rely on one dude to bail ‘em out.”

“Stars Gotta Earn It Again”

Shaq also gave a shot of tough love to the younger generation of NBA stars.

“Too many young cats think just because they got a max deal and 10 million IG followers, they made it. Nah. You gotta earn the respect. That’s why I like Tatum and Luka. They put in the work. Ain’t no shortcuts.”

Travis added, “It’s kinda like football — the locker room smells the BS, man. You either bought in or you’re not.”

Shaq nodded. “Exactly. You can’t fake it.”

Social Media Reacts to Shaq’s Rant

After the episode aired, clips of Shaq’s unfiltered comments went viral. Twitter/X lit up with mixed reactions — some praising his honesty, others accusing him of being out of touch.

One fan tweeted, “Shaq spitting facts! Tired of seeing the Lakers in every headline just to get bounced in Round 1.”

Another wrote, “Shaq needs to stop hating. Big market teams keep the league relevant. Nobody outside Boston and Dallas even watching the Finals.”

But the numbers don’t lie: both teams in the Finals have built their rosters through smart drafting, shrewd trades, and player development — not flashy signings or big-name brands.

Final Thoughts: The Future Belongs to the Builders

Shaq’s rant might be raw, but it speaks to a broader truth in today’s NBA: success is no longer guaranteed by market size or superstardom. Teams like the Celtics and Mavericks represent a new era — one where culture, coaching, and cohesion matter more than hype.

Jason Kelce wrapped up the segment by saying, “Well, Shaq, I guess we’ll see if your prediction holds up. If Boston wins it in 6, we’re having you back on for the victory lap.”

Shaq laughed. “I’ll bring the champagne and the receipts. And maybe some tissues for the Lakers fans.”

Whether you agree with Shaq or not, one thing’s for sure — the days of coasting to the Finals on star power alone might be behind us. And as Shaq would say: That’s just the f**king truth.