Shaquille O’Neal: “European basketball is a little better than the NBA”

Shaquille O’Neal has arrived in Lithuania ahead of the EuroLeague matchup between Zalgiris Kaunas and reigning champions Olympiacos. The NBA legend, who recently became a NordVPN ambassador, will attend Zalgiris’ first home game of the EuroLeague season at Zalgirio Arena.

O’Neal expects an intense atmosphere and also praised European basketball compared to the NBA.

“I know the European game is a little bit better than the NBA game. I know I’m going to get a lot of flack for saying that, but guys over there, everybody plays hard all 38 games.”

Shaq then highlighted the difference with the NBA: “We got guys in the NBA, they kind of chill out until the All-Star Game or the playoffs or whatever.”

Speaking about the matchup, he added: “They’re playing against the champs, and it’s their first home game. So I’m looking forward to it.”