Shaquille O’Neal shares broadcasting advice for Tom Brady amid negative criticism

Tom Brady gets mixed reviews For his performance in the broadcast booth on Fox, however, NBA legend and Inside The NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t judge Brady too harshly. The Big Podcast with Shaq, He made evaluations about Brady, a four-time NBA champion in the cabin and how it can get better.

“He’s rated G-19. Talk about your experience,” he said. “Tell stories and be yourself. He wasn’t quiet, he was professional. Because when you first come in, you don’t know when it’s going to be your turn. Not everybody can be Charles Barkley and just take over sections and spend nine minutes answering one damn question. You’ve got to get used to it. It might be tough for him this year, but he’ll be as good as Troy Aikman in his sophomore and junior years. Troy Aikman is really good, but when Troy Aikman talks about football, we believe him because we know how great Troy is.”

O’Neal’s positive attitude toward Brady’s performance may stem from his identification with the struggles. Soon after his retirement in 2011, O’Neal Inside the NBA as the fourth member of the studio team. Although his release was delayed due to the 2011 lockout, he officially joined the team on Christmas Day. Despite producing some funny moments alongside Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkly, he was met with harsh criticism from critics.

According to O’Neal, it wasn’t until he embraced being himself that he truly found his voice.

“When I came in I wanted to be as professional as you and Ernie. I really called myself Shaq Gumbel but then TK said, fuck it, we don’t need that, just be yourself. That’s when I really started to blossom. Look, Ernie, I never want to talk too much, he’s the guy so I wait and then I get ready to answer and then the fat kid says something, then Kenny and then the point I’m getting ready to make comes back and says my point. So now I’ve got to find another point. The first year and a half was tough but once I got it, I got my rhythm.”

O’Neal’s sage advice could certainly help Brady making the switch The lead analyst role on Fox. Brady has had his moments in the booth, like his evaluation of Lamar Jackson and his reaction to the Cowboys considering a long field goal attempt, but he can definitely improve a few things before he’s as good as Troy Aikman or even Tony Romo.

Tom Brady’s next game on the bench will be between the Philadelphia Eagles and his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.