Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Jaylen Brown (7). David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Shaq's controversial take on the Celtics drastically misses the mark

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/11/24

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has labeled the Boston Celtics as the most overrated team in the NBA. Despite their dominance throughout the regular season, he doesn't believe they're ready to challenge for the championship this season.

O'Neal's comments on his former team came via his "The Big Podcast."

"Overrated? Boston," O'Neal said. "You've gotta show me. I've been around this league a long time, and seen a lot of guys that have had a great regular season and haven't won championships...Consistency and dominant consistency. You've gotta do more. Every game, you've gotta go to another level."

The Celtics have been dominant all season and have proved themselves to be fierce postseason opponents.

They made the 2022 NBA Finals and were Eastern Conference finalists last season. Furthermore, the Celtics are first in the NBA for Net Rating, posting a +11.7 on the season. They're also first in offensive rating and second in defensive rating.

It's hard to call a team with such dominant numbers overrated, especially when it has won 62 games with three left on the schedule.

O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion. He has earned the right to voice his opinion and for it to be taken seriously. However, his experience came in a version of the league that has long since passed.

Boston has been crushing teams with spacing, mismatch hunting, and exceptional perimeter shooting. The Celtics are among the favorites for a reason. They're also incredibly talented and boast a legitimate eight-man rotation.

Yes, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will need to step up. But their strength in depth removes the need for one player to transcend his usual production. That is how the Celtics are constructed. It's why they're so dangerous. And it's how they will potentially win a championship.

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