Bucks Zone

"It's no time for panic. All this talk, and they're still in second place" - Shaq on the state of the Milwaukee Bucks

Shaq says the Bucks will be just fine.

Jonas Panerio

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After losing four of their last five games before blowing out the Boston Celtics, 135-102, on Thursday, there was a lot of discussion regarding whether or not it was time for the Milwaukee Bucks to panic. After all, their defense was more porous than a sponge, while their shotmaking went AWOL for long stretches.

However, one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA, Shaquille O'Neal, doesn't believe there's any need for panic just yet. During the NBA on TNT's broadcast on Thursday night, Shaq gave his thoughts on the state of the Bucks and their recent struggles.

Still contenders

The 15-time All-Star said nothing has changed about the Bucks’ contender status, saying the team has just hit a rough patch in their season. He added that it’s better to struggle now than a few months down the line when each loss in a playoff series carries more weight.

“They are contenders to win it all. It’s no time for panic. All this talk, and they’re still in second place. I’d rather them be mediocre now and then pick it up,” Shaquille said.

Shaq added that a little struggle is essential for any team that wants to contend for a championship, as it allows them to learn and grow from their mistakes. He emphasized the importance of staying focused and not letting outside noise affect the team's performance.

“If the playoffs started today, they’d have the second seed. I’d rather them go through these lows, get mad, get mad, get mad, then in March or April, learn how to pick it up,” O'Neal added.

No need to be perfect now

With more than half the season still coming, Shaq commented that now isn’t the time to play perfect basketball. History has shown plenty of teams dominate in the regular season only to fizzle out when the games matter. One doesn’t have to look too far for an example, as the Bucks finished last season as the top seed in the East but failed to make it out of the first round.

“You don’t have to be perfect now. I’ve seen a lot of teams that’s been perfect in the regular season,” Shaq said.

“No time to panic. I’d rather they be perfect right after the All-Star Game. A lot of teams are perfect now and then; they fall off. They’re fine. Relax.”

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO