Shaquille O'Neal Critiques NBA Softness Amid 3-Point Era Shift

Shaquille O'Neal has openly criticized the modern NBA for becoming too soft and lacking physicality, lamenting the decline of aggressive post play and expressing frustration with the current All-Star format. O'Neal's dominance in the early 2000s catalyzed a strategic shift in the NBA, particularly influencing Mike D'Antoni's adoption of a faster-paced, three-point-oriented style of play to counteract Shaq's presence. The three-point shot has since become a vital and divisive element in the league, with recent champions heavily relying on it as teams now attempt more than double the three-pointers per game compared to two decades ago. Despite criticism, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praises the evolution, highlighting that shooting ability is now essential even for traditional big men. Meanwhile, teams continue to scout sharpshooters like LJ Cryer, a player with strong three-point credentials, as the league emphasizes perimeter shooting skills. This ongoing tension between traditional post play and modern perimeter-focused basketball reflects the evolving nature and debates surrounding the NBA's identity and style of play today.