Shannon Sharpe is a three-time Super Bowl champion who played for the Denver Broncos and the Baltimore Ravens. But while the eight-time Pro Bowl player used to play in the NFL, Sharpe does contribute to the NBA as an analyst. Although Sharpe can give entertaining takes, many also stir up some debate. Here's a look at Shannon Sharpe's 10 wildest NBA takes.

10. Shannon Sharp's beef with Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal has often showed plenty of respect towards Nikola Jokic, especially after claiming his third NBA MVP. However, Sharpe claimed that O'Neal is envious of the Nuggets star.

Furthermore, the former NFL player even went as far as criticizing O'Neal's work ethic that should have made the Hall of Fame center more successful. The Big Diesel didn't take Sharpe's words lightly.

9. Comparisons between Russell Westbrook fans and MAGA

Since leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook has joined several NBA teams with the hopes of winning a championship. Unfortunately, his efforts went for naught.

But while Sharpe could criticize aspects of his game, the former NFL player opted to target Westbrook's fans. But to make matters worse, Sharpe even touched on political matters that certainly turned some heads.

8. Shannon Sharpe falls victim to a false quote of Kevin Durant

It's always a responsibility of a television personality to confirm the facts before spreading information. However, Sharpe ultimately fell victim to a fabricated quote of Kevin Durant. Moreover, Sharpe criticized the two-time NBA champion for leaving Oklahoma City to join the Golden State Warriors. Shortly after, Sharpe's comments didn't entirely sit well with Durant.

7. Kyrie Irving doesn't have a post game

Kyrie Irving is one of the craftiest scorers in the NBA. However, Sharpe doesn't seem to be watching Irving's games, claiming that the NBA champion doesn't have a post game, especially with his 6-foot frame. Irving may not be the guard that backs down his defender for a bucket. Instead, the Mavs star either faces up or uses his wide array of moves at the post.

6. Questioning Giannis Antetokounmpo's conditioning in 2021 NBA Finals

In the 2021 NBA Playoffs, Giannis Antetokounmpo nearly ended his career after an apparent leg injury. But Sharpe seemed to be surprisingly unaware of the Greek Freak's health status.

Nevertheless, Antetokounmpo managed to will the Bucks past the Phoenix Suns to give Milwaukee its first NBA title in 50 years. In fact, the championship-clinching game saw the Greek Freak finish with 50 points and 14 rebounds.

5. Next face of the NBA should be married

Being the face of the NBA means being a great role model while also possessing skills that place a player in the GOAT conversation. However, Sharpe unexpectedly brought up a non-basketball-related criteria in choosing the next face of the NBA after LeBron James. Sharpe claimed that the next face of the league should be married, which was surely a headscratcher.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) smiles after his team scored against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center.
Tom Brady showers LeBron James with major GOAT praiseAlex House ·
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) and point guard Steve Nash (10) react following a scoring play against the New York Knicks during the second half at Staples Center.
5 future NBA MVPs who were traded on draft daySpencer See ·
Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James (6) smiles from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
Lakers star LeBron James’ post-retirement plans linked to AmazonPreston Byers ·
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) looks down the court beside Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the first half at Frost Bank Center.
NBA rumors: Thunder, Nets among teams expected to trade up in draftBenedetto Vitale ·
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) goes to the basket during the second half against Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Parker Fox (23) at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Former 1st overall NBA Draft pick urges 76ers to stay away from Ace BaileyPreston Byers ·
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) dunks against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) during the third quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
NBA news: Stephen A. Smith makes ‘thriller’ Game 7 Finals predictionJulian Ojeda ·

4. Phil Jackson was bad at building teams

When Jeanie Buss sought advice from Phil Jackson, Sharpe wasn't happy about it. He stated that Jackson pretty much failed badly in reviving the New York Knicks' relevancy in the NBA.

As a result, the analyst claimed that Jackson was terrible in building rosters. Although the facts are there, it was pretty much a wild accusation against a coach that led two decorated franchises to a total of 11 NBA championships.

3. Kobe Bryant is not a Top 5 player

Known as the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant pretty much took over the NBA for many years with his crafty scoring and insane work ethic. Furthermore, his clutch baskets en route to five NBA championships continue to be remembered to this day.

But despite his greatness, Sharpe doesn't consider him as a Top 5 player. For a player that's in everyone's GOAT conversation, Sharpe certainly raised eyebrows for leaving Bryant out of his Top 5.

2. Jordan Poole should've hit Draymond Green first

Fresh from winning an NBA championship, the Warriors seemingly imploded after Draymond Green punched teammate Jordan Poole in a practice session.

But in reaction to the incident, Sharpe surprisingly suggested that Poole should have landed the first punch. But in the first place, should punches and fights have been thrown in the first place, more so after winning an NBA championship?

1. Thunder are the weakest No. 1 seed

At the end of the 2023-2024 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder finished as the top seed in the Western Conference with a 57-25 record. Despite being the top seed, Sharpe regarded the Thunder as the weakest top seed he has ever seen in a long time. Unfortunately for Sharpe, the Thunder made him think otherwise after they swept the Pelicans in the first round.