Shareef O'Neal Returns to NBA G League After Sacramento Kings Waive Him
Kings Waive Shareef O'Neal, Former Top Prospect
The Sacramento Kings have waived center Shareef O'Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal, 22, was acquired by the Kings in a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2023.
O'Neal has struggled to find his footing in the NBA, averaging just 2.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 14 games with the Kings. He was sent down to the NBA G League's Stockton Kings in March 2023, where he averaged 11.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in seven games.
O'Neal's NBA Journey
O'Neal was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school, but his NBA career has been derailed by injuries. He was drafted by the Lakers in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, but he missed his entire rookie season due to a foot injury.
O'Neal made his NBA debut in the 2022-23 season, but he has been unable to crack the Lakers' rotation. He was traded to the Kings in February 2023, but he was waived after just two months with the team.
What's Next for O'Neal?
It is unclear what the future holds for O'Neal. He is still young and has potential, but he needs to find a team that is willing to give him an opportunity to play. He may return to the NBA G League or he may explore options overseas.
O'Neal's father, Shaquille O'Neal, was one of the greatest players in NBA history. Shareef O'Neal has a long way to go to match his father's accomplishments, but he has the potential to be a solid NBA player.
Skal Labissière Also Waived by Kings
In addition to waiving O'Neal, the Kings also waived forward Skal Labissière. Labissière, 25, was acquired by the Kings in a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers in February 2023.
Labissière has struggled to find his footing in the NBA, averaging just 2.9 points and 3.0 rebounds in 12 games with the Kings. He was sent down to the NBA G League's Stockton Kings in March 2023, where he averaged 10.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in six games.
It is unclear what the future holds for Labissière. He may return to the NBA G League or he may explore options overseas.
