While the “Inside the NBA” crew had rightly drawn praise for their blend of humor and analysis in their NBA coverage, Shaquille O’Neal and the crew have been criticized, sometimes by players, for their occasional lapses in knowledge. Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam learned how unintentionally hilarious O’Neal’s style of commentary can be.
Siakam was in the middle of a fantastic game, helping the Raptors take a 17-point lead into halftime against the mighty Milwaukee Bucks. When it came time for Shaq to give his analysis, he didn’t exactly offer the most informative critique.
When Ernie Johnson asked O’Neal about his assessment of Pascal’s performance, Shaq claimed that he had his eyes on “Siakam.” Either Shaq thought Ernie was talking about a player on the Raptors with the last name Pascal (highly unlikely, also not true), or he didn’t know what Siakam’s first name was.
We’re somehow supposed to believe that a player who won a championship, was named Most Improved, and has been named an All-Star in the past was unknown to Shaq?
https://twitter.com/BillyReinhardt/status/1362582083852513288
How did Shaq not know Raptors star Pascal Siakam’s name?
Part of what makes “Inside” so great is how informal it can be sometimes. Say what you will about the analysis, but this show consists of three old players, two of which are in the Hall of Fame, saying what they think and feel, even if it bothers people. This can lead to some unique and informative discussions.
However, as evidenced by players like Houston Rockets big man Christian Wood calling him a “casual”, his analysis, or lack of same, can be irritating. While Siakam isn’t the most high-energy star in the league, and playing in Canada sometimes makes it hard for the NBA world to often realize what he’s doing on the court, you’d think Shaq would at least remember the man’s name.
When the “Inside” crew is at their best, it makes for some truly entertaining television. However, when Shaq can’t remember the name of one of the best players in the league, that’s a cringeworthy moment.
Hopefully, another double-double will help O’Neal remember that Siakam, contrary to popular belief, has a first name. And that he’s pretty good at basketball.