Vlade Divac says Shaquille O'Neal 'wasn't talented, he was just strong'
Former Kings center who used to get owned by the Diesel says that DeMarcus Cousins is like if you put him and Shaq together. How's Shaq going to like that?
By
Matt Moore
•
1 min read
Former Kings center Vlade Divac battled with Shaquille O'Neal for years in memorable playoff matchups. Now O'Neal is a part owner in the Sacramento Kings, but Divac still had an interesting comment about the guy who ended Divac' title hopes in the early 2000's. From the AP:
"I've been in basketball a long, long time and I have to say (DeMarcus Cousins is) the most talented big guy I have ever seen," Divac said Monday. "Shaq wasn't talented, he was just strong. I was talented, but I wasn't strong."
Divac went on to call O'Neal one of the most dominant players ever. O'Neal, who knocked Divac and the Kings out of the playoffs in three straight seasons from 1999-2001, is now a minority owner with the team and one of Divac's bosses.
"He always was my boss," Divac said.
via Vlade Divac embraces new role with Kings.
Divac is pretty deferential there, it doesn't sound like he's actually trash talking the Diesel. But unfortunately for Divac, O'Neal is, well, pretty sensitive when it comes to criticism of his game. He's always balked at criticism, be it about his weight and playing shape, or his struggles at the free throw line; years after his playing days were through he's still fighting people on these things.
So his reaction will be pretty interesting. Also notable? Sorry, Vlade, but the MDE (Most Dominant Ever) was insanely talented.
O'Neal's greatest asset was his size and that enormous rump of his, but he also had tremendous touch around the basket, footwork, and control. He wasn't fast, but he was quick when he wanted to be. It's honestly what separates him from a lot of powerful big men, Dwight Howard for one.
Divac was just trying to praise the Kings' current big man, but it'll be interesting to hear if Shaq has a response.
