Shaquille O'Neal not impressed with son's $1.1 million Kings deal

Shaquille O'Neal has not been impressed by his son Shareef's $1.1 million contract with the Sacramento Kings.

Shareef O'Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, recently secured a guaranteed $1.1 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. While the contract is a significant achievement for any young player, Shaquille O'Neal has downplayed its importance, dismissing it as merely a marketing ploy and not a true reflection of his son's talent and abilities.

Shareef O'Neal's 2023 NBA Draft Experience

Shareef O'Neal entered the 2023 NBA Draft with high expectations, following in the footsteps of his illustrious father. However, he went undrafted, despite being projected as a potential mid-to-late second-round pick. After the draft, he signed a two-way contract with the Kings, splitting time between the NBA team and their NBA G League affiliate.

Shaquille O'Neal's High Standards and Expectations

Shaquille O'Neal has always held high standards for his children, expecting them to achieve similar levels of success as he did during his legendary NBA career. He has publicly stated that he believes Shareef O'Neal has the potential to be a great player, but he has also criticized his son's work ethic and dedication in the past.

Shaquille O'Neal's Comments on Shareef O'Neal's Contract

In a recent interview, Shaquille O'Neal downplayed the significance of Shareef's $1.1 million contract, saying that it was primarily a marketing move by the Kings and did not reflect his son's true value as a player. He emphasized that Shareef O'Neal still has a lot of work to do to prove himself and earn a more substantial contract based on his own merits.

Shareef O'Neal's Response to Father's Comments

Shareef O'Neal has not publicly responded to his father's comments about his contract. However, he has previously stated that he is determined to prove himself and meet his father's expectations. He has been working hard to improve his skills and fitness, and he is eager to demonstrate his abilities on the court.

Conclusion

Shaquille O'Neal's comments about his son's contract have sparked a debate about the value of marketing deals and the importance of player development. While Shareef O'Neal's contract may not be a reflection of his current abilities, it provides him with a valuable opportunity to showcase his talents and work towards earning a more substantial contract in the future.