Shaq's Coaching Conundrum: Old-School Mindset or Player Power?

Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary Lakers center, has expressed doubts about his coaching abilities. He prefers owning a team over coaching, feeling his old-school approach may clash with today's NBA players. His colleagues, including Charles Barkley, often disagree with this view. Recently, Barkley shut down O’Neal’s belief that coaches aren’t crucial. On the podcast "The Steam Room, " Barkley praised Coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers for his leadership, despite their recent loss to the Boston Celtics. Atkinson has achieved a remarkable 15-game winning streak with the Cavaliers, elevating them to the top of the league. O’Neal, however, credits the team’s success mainly to the players, especially Donovan Mitchell, who scored 35 points in their recent game. O’Neal has consistently downplayed the role of coaches, even when he played under legends like Phil Jackson and Pat Riley. He believes the players are the real drivers of a team’s success or failure. Barkley, on the other hand, thinks coaching is vital, particularly for role players. He sees Atkinson as a terrific coach who has significantly improved the Cavaliers since joining in June. The difference in perspectives highlights a larger debate about the impact of coaching in the NBA. While O’Neal may have a point about player influence, it's clear that coaching still plays a crucial role in shaping a team’s strategy and performance.