Donovan Mitchell has become one of the players in the NBA that Shaquille O'Neal has heavily criticized, leading fans to defend the talented guard for the Utah Jazz. After leading the Jazz to a victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday, Joe Ingles poked fun at Mitchell by doing his best Shaq impression, via Eric Walden of the Salt Lake Tribune.
Earlier, as Donovan was answering a question about dealing with critics such Shaq, Joe interrupted from offscreen:
Joe: I don’t think you’re a superstar.
Don: That’s fair.
Joe: Hahahaha! https://t.co/dz5zeYPNvB— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) February 28, 2021
Earlier this season, after a win by the Jazz, O'Neal interviewed Mitchell on TNT's postgame show. It was an awkward exchange from the beginning when O'Neal told Mitchell that he doesn't believe he has what it takes to reach that next level.
Since that cringy interview, O'Neal has said that he called out Mitchell in hopes that it would light a fire under him. O'Neal has also attempted to take credit for Mitchell's success this season, which didn't sit well with fans across the league and Mitchell's teammates.
Mitchell and the Jazz have continuously made fun of O'Neal's comments this season as they have disposed of O'Neal's opinion of Mitchell. In his fourth season in Utah, Mitchell is currently recording career-highs in points (24.5), rebounds (4.6), and assists (5.3) per game.
The Louisville product is also shooting a career-best 38.8 percent from beyond the arc, which has helped the Jazz become a contender in the Western Conference. Following Utah's win over Orlando without Mike Conley, the Jazz are the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with a stellar 27-7 record.
At 24 years old, Mitchell is rising to stardom in the NBA as he's helped Utah become a powerhouse in the West. Seeing that the Jazz continue to poke fun at Shaq, don't expect them to conduct any interviews with the legendary big man anytime soon.
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