Shaquille O’Neal Voices Concerns Over NIL Era, Questions If High-Paid College Athletes Lose Motivation To Reach The NBA

Teammates recall how Shaq mastered the game in his youth - Los Angeles Times

The NCAA introduced the NIL policy in June 2021, marking a significant shift in the landscape of college athletics. While the NIL era presents numerous opportunities for many athletes to thrive, Shaquille O’Neal has expressed his apprehensions regarding the implications of this evolving situation.

In a recent episode of the Big Podcast With Shaq, O’Neal discussed how highly paid NIL athletes may lose their motivation and drive to excel. He emphasized that the NBA should be considered the ultimate goal for these NIL athletes.

“I think it’s definitely gonna hurt people because, for people that have nothing, when you get something, it takes the pressure off. But that something should be the final prize. The final prize should be the NBA. I know a cat—I don’t wanna say his name—who’s getting paid $7 million to play for one year. Like, where is the motivation?” O’Neal said.

NIL, an acronym for Name, Image, and Likeness, signifies the rights that collegiate athletes possess to monetize their personal brands via endorsements and various commercial ventures.

Steve Kerr Endorses Shaquille O’Neal’s Views On Stephen Curry’s GOAT Status

Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O’Neal (Photo by Tim Heitman/Imagn Images)

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is among the elite players currently dominating the league. He has led the Warriors to four NBA championships and has achieved numerous remarkable milestones throughout his professional career. However, Curry’s name is often overlooked in discussions about the greatest of all time (GOAT).

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Recently, Shaquille O’Neal urged fans to start including Curry in these GOAT conversations. Additionally, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr supported O’Neal’s statement during a recent interview on the 95.7 The Game podcast.

“I think he’s dead on because Steph is the most unique superstar of all time. He broke barriers, he changed the game. I love that Shaq is bringing that up because from a skills standpoint, it’s not even close. He is the greatest ever from a skills standpoint.” Kerr said.

Curry is currently leading the Warriors in the 2024-25 NBA season. The Warriors hold the 6th spot in the Western Conference standings, with a record of 35 wins and 28 losses.