Shaq Blames Stephen Curry and the ‘New Era of Humans’ for Making the NBA ‘Boring’ and its Decline in Viewership
In a bold and controversial statement, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has voiced his dissatisfaction with the direction the league has taken in recent years, specifically blaming Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry and what he referred to as the “new era of humans” for making the NBA “boring.” O’Neal, known for his larger-than-life personality both on and off the court, took aim at the league’s evolving style of play, arguing that the shift toward perimeter shooting and “small ball” has stripped the game of the exciting, dominant inside presence that fans once cherished.
### **Shaq’s Critique of the Modern NBA**
Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, is a vocal critic of the current trend in the league, particularly the rise of the three-point shot and the decline of traditional big man play. In a recent interview, O’Neal, who spent 19 seasons in the NBA and won four championships, expressed frustration over the shift in playing styles that has come to define the modern era of basketball.
O’Neal pointed to Stephen Curry’s influence on the game as a key factor in this transformation. Curry, widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, revolutionized the game with his unprecedented ability to shoot from deep range, leading to a rise in the emphasis on three-point shooting across the league. For O’Neal, Curry’s success has reshaped the entire basketball landscape, causing teams to prioritize perimeter-oriented offenses over traditional post play, which he believes has led to a less physical and, as he claims, “boring” game.
In his interview, O’Neal said, *“It’s not the same game I grew up with. Now, everyone wants to shoot threes, and the big guys are just sitting out there on the perimeter. It’s boring to watch. You need a dominant force in the paint, someone who can take over a game like I used to. But now, it’s all about three-point shooting, and it’s not as exciting.”*
### **The Decline of the ‘Big Man’ Era**
O’Neal’s frustrations are rooted in the fact that the NBA, once dominated by larger-than-life centers like himself, Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, and others, has seen a seismic shift toward smaller, more versatile players. In the past, the center position was synonymous with dominance in the paint—grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, and controlling the interior. But with the rise of players like Curry, as well as the overall focus on shooting and spacing, the traditional center role has evolved into something far less impactful.
For O’Neal, the loss of this physicality is a significant part of what makes the modern NBA “boring.” The high-scoring, fast-paced games dominated by perimeter shooting have replaced the slow, grinding battles in the paint that once characterized the sport. “We’ve lost the big men, and as a result, we’ve lost the soul of the game,” O’Neal argued. He even went as far as to say that the “new era of humans” in the league, characterized by a focus on athleticism and three-point shooting, has transformed basketball into a “glorified game of pickup” rather than the strategic, physical sport he helped build.
### **Declining Viewership: A Direct Impact?**
In addition to his critique of the on-court style, O’Neal also addressed the NBA’s declining viewership numbers in recent years. The league has seen a dip in TV ratings and fan engagement, particularly with younger audiences who seem less interested in watching games unfold in the traditional manner. O’Neal, whose heyday in the NBA was during a time of massive popularity for the league, believes the shift toward a three-point-heavy, perimeter-oriented game may have contributed to this downturn.
“People miss the old-school game,” O’Neal said. “They miss the rivalries, the big men, the physicality. Now, it’s just a bunch of guards shooting threes all the time. Where’s the excitement in that? People want to see a player dominate inside, take over a game, and not just play from the outside.”
While it’s unclear whether the NBA’s ratings decline can be directly attributed to these changes in style, O’Neal’s comments certainly tap into a broader sentiment among some fans. Many longtime basketball enthusiasts feel nostalgic for the days of hard-fought battles in the paint, where towering centers could command the court. However, others argue that the NBA’s embrace of new styles—such as the increasing importance of the three-pointer—has helped modernize the sport and attract a younger, more global fan base.
### **The Shift Toward Small Ball**
Despite O’Neal’s criticism, the NBA has undergone a significant transformation, and many believe that this shift is for the better. Coaches and players have adapted to a more fluid, positionless style of play. The rise of “small ball” and a greater emphasis on pace and space have brought new excitement to the game, as teams run faster offenses and create more open, wide-ranging opportunities for scoring. The Golden State Warriors’ dynasty, led by Curry, has been a prime example of how effective this style of play can be.
Nonetheless, O’Neal’s comments resonate with many who feel that the game’s evolution has diminished the importance of certain positions and styles of play. As the NBA continues to prioritize pace and shooting, it remains to be seen whether the pendulum will swing back toward a more balanced approach, incorporating the dominance of both perimeter shooting and the inside presence that Shaq believes the game has lost.
### **Conclusion**
Shaquille O’Neal’s remarks about the NBA’s current state reflect a deep sense of nostalgia for the way the game used to be played. While his critique of Stephen Curry and the “new era of humans” may seem harsh to some, it raises important questions about the evolution of basketball and whether the sport has lost some of its traditional elements in pursuit of innovation. Regardless of where fans stand on the issue, O’Neal’s comments are a reminder that the NBA is a constantly changing entity, and the debate about its direction is far from over.
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