Shaquille O’Neal isn’t sold on the New York Knicks’ playoff hopes, despite their strong 50-win season. His blunt claim that they’re not good enough to make it past the first round has fans and analysts debating. With inconsistent results against elite teams, the Knicks still have a lot to prove this postseason.
As the Knicks prepared to break through the competition Shaquille O’Neal came and invalidated their momentum. The Knicks post regular season numbers shine but Shaq is doubtful they will succeed in the playoffs. The Knicks face an important decision with postseason tournaments approaching since Shaquille O’Neal asks whether they will succeed in big moments like playoffs after showing strong regular season performances.
Critics remain unsure if the Knicks are truly built for a deep run
With the playoffs on the horizon, NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal has raised some eyebrows regarding the New York Knicks’ chances. Even though they’ve had a solid regular season, O’Neal stated, “I don’t think they are good enough to advance to the second round.” His straightforward take has ignited discussions among fans and analysts.
The Knicks achieved exceptional regular season results by winning 50 games out of 28 while earning the third Eastern Conference seed. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson provide the majority of the team’s achievements during their successful regular season campaign. Towns continues his strong streak with 34 points and 12 rebounds per game recently while Brunson scored 27 points alongside 10 assists during the tight 119-117 overtime match against Boston Celtics on April 8, 2025.
The Knicks are gearing up for some key games against the Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Brooklyn Nets. The Pistons, especially, have really stepped up this season, earning a playoff spot for the first time since 2019.
The New York Knicks are looking like a real problem in the East right now. Currently, they are the No. 3 seed in the conference with a 50-28 record (they are in action on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics), and seem to be poised for what could potentially be a deep playoff run.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, however, does not have much confidence in the Knicks. According to the Hall of Famer, he does not “think they’re good enough to advance to the second round.”
If the postseason started today, the Knicks would face off against the No. 6 seed Detroit Pistons, who themselves have been quite a revelation this year. O’Neal believes that the Pistons have what it takes to defeat New York in the opening round.
“Oh yeah. Hell yeah,” he said about Detroit potentially upsetting the Knicks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. “Cade (Cunningham), hell yeah. Isaiah Stewart, oh yes.”
O’Neal’s bold take has drawn all sorts of reactions from the fans on social media. At this point, it is safe to say that the Los Angeles Lakers icon has divided the fans with another polarizing statement.
“No way people think a team with no experience is beating a guy who averages 30+ in the playoffs😭. Bro thinks Isaiah Stewart is supposed to mean something lmao,” a Knicks supporter commented.
“Too much tv now of days is just say anything for clicks. I personally don’t think Cade is a first option on a winning team,” said another.
“The same guy that was talking crap about the pistons a couple weeks ago saying they were 4 games below 500 when they weren’t 😂” pointed out a viewer.
More than a few fans believe, however, that O’Neal is actually on to something here.
“First time Shaq has had a good take fairs,” a user declared.
“He’s probably not wrong. Knicks will choke,” another predicted.
“Shaq has had his fair share of crazy takes but this ain’t one of them I can see this happening tbh. Detroit is tuff,” a reaction read.
For what it’s worth, the Knicks-Pistons first-round matchup isn’t technically locked in at the moment. As of writing, Detroit is 1.5 games behind the No. 5 seed Milwaukee Bucks, who are also playing on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Depending on how the next few games play out, Milwaukee could fall to sixth, setting up an opening-round series against New York.
Either way, the Knicks are going to be facing a tough opponent in the first round.
