Jusuf Nurkic Goes Off on Shaq for Calling Suns Center ‘Soft’

The Phoenix big man had a few words for Shaquille O’Neal.

Jusuf Nurkić fired back at Shaquille O'Neal on Friday in response to the Hall of Famer recently labeling the Phoenix Suns center as “soft.”

The harsh criticism stems from O'Neal commenting on a rumor that Nurkić was pondering pressing charges against Draymond Green following their December altercation.

“I don't know if it's true or not, but I want to address it. Jusuf Nurkić ... is talking about pressing charges against Draymond Green,” O'Neal said on a recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq. “Now I have a problem with that. Because one, it just shows how soft you are as a big man. You're going to ruin what I created in the big man alliance.

“The reason why Draymond hit you sir, is because he knows you're not going to hit him back. So for you to say, even think about saying you are pressing charges, you're soft. This is something I would tell you to your face if I saw you. You can’t press charges, you just gotta get your big a-- up and hit somebody back. How about that? With your big soft a--?”

While denying the rumor, Nurkić addressed Shaq's comments on social media Friday.

“Lmao first i never said that! People be making s--- up lol,” posted Nurkić. “Shaqilović I’m not from here, I’m not losing money and nobody fighting in this NBA.”

Lmao first i never said that!!
People be making sh*t up lol

Shaqilović I’m not from here , I’m not losing money and nobody fighting in this NBA… https://t.co/MuweiL317F

— Jusuf Nurkić 🇧🇦 (@bosnianbeast27) January 12, 2024

We’ll see later on if O’Neal has a response to this post.

After eight seasons in Portland, the nine-year veteran is averaging 12.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game in his first season in Phoenix. 

The talented center is an integral component of the Suns’ postseason hopes. Led by Nurkić, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, Phoenix currently holds the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference.