Utah Jazz: Donovan Mitchell’s response to Shaq perfectly encapsulates his career
“Aight. That’s it.” This was the candid, well-thought-out response that Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell gave Shaquille O’Neal in response to the Hall of Fame big man’s critique towards him – one that ended off with O’Neal shrewdly demurring Mitchell’s ability to ascend to elite status.
The full quote from Shaq, which came in a postgame interview with Mitchell on TNT’s Inside the NBA following an impressive 35 point, seven-rebound, five-assist showing in a victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, reads as follows:
“I said tonight that you are one of my favorite players, but you don’t have what it takes to get to that next level. I said it on purpose, I wanted you to hear it. What do you have to say about that?”
Mitchell’s rebuttal: “aight.”
Lovely.
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Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell handled Shaq’s comments perfectly
The comments sprung from a halftime dialogue between the show’s panelists centered on the distinction between All-Star, and “superstar” rankings amongst the game’s best players.
After minutes of intense discussion, the Emmy-winning trio came away with a specific set of requirements for elevation to unbridled supremacy.
Their stipulations for superstardom prompted players to consistently affect the game in at least three of these six facets: scoring, assists, rebounding, defense, leadership and pace of play.
Check two of these boxes, and you’re a consummate All-Star.