Shaquille O'Neal shares honest thoughts on Donovan Mitchell 4 years after telling him he "doesn't have what it takes"

NBA legend-turned-TNT analyst Shaquille O'Neal has been critical of Cleveland Cavaliers star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell since his time with the Utah Jazz. However, four years after calling out Mitchell directly, the big man reversed course and commended the five-time All-Star for his and his squad's standout season.

In early 2021, O'Neal went viral for an awkward TNT interview with Mitchell following the Jazz's 129-118 home win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The four-time NBA champion unexpectedly informed Mitchell of his skepticism about him becoming an elite player, leaving the star at an apparent loss for words.

"Spida, this is Shaq. 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," O'Neal said. "I said it on purpose, I wanted you to hear it. What do you have to say about that?"

"Alright. That's it," Mitchell replied, before noting that he was used to facing similar criticisms dating back to his rookie season.

Mitchell was traded to Cleveland a year later, where he has continued to thrive, earning his first All-NBA selection (second team) during the 2022-23 campaign. He appears primed to make another All-NBA team this season, as he has spearheaded the Cavaliers' unexpected surge to the top of the league standings (34-5).

During TNT's pregame coverage of Tuesday's matchup between Cleveland and the Indiana Pacers, O'Neal touched on the Cavaliers' improvement. To his co-hosts' apparent surprise, he proclaimed them the Eastern Conference favorites over the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.

"I think they are the best team in the East," O'Neal said (Timestamp: 0:31).

O'Neal attributed his confidence in Cleveland to Mitchell's impressive play, referencing his past critiques of his game.

"The way that this Donovan kid is playing — I've been hard on Donovan the last three years. Hard to the point where people think I don't like him," O'Neal said.

Thus, O'Neal appears to have reconsidered Mitchell's ability to be the leading man on a championship contender.

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Donovan Mitchell scores game-high 35 points after receiving Shaquille O'Neal's endorsement

Following Shaquille O'Neal's pregame praise, Donovan Mitchell delivered another head-turning performance against Indiana.

Mitchell finished with a game-high 35 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and three 3-pointers, shooting 52.2% as Cleveland secured a 127-117 road victory.

With the win, the Cavaliers (34-5) moved six games ahead of Boston (28-11) for the East's No. 1 seed.

Mitchell and Co. will look to start another winning streak on Thursday when they visit the Western Conference-leading OKC Thunder (33-6).

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