JaVale McGee kept mum for a long time while his every move was scrutinized.
For years, he felt like he couldn't say anything while his lowlights were regularly featured on "Shaqtin' a Fool." It wasn't until this season that the veteran forward spoke out against being unfairly targeted by retired legend Shaquille O'Neal in the popular "Inside the NBA" segment.
McGee, who joined the Golden State Warriors last offseason, indicated he's able to defend himself now that he's on a contender.
"You can't stand up for yourself when you're on a bad team," the 29-year-old told SLAM's Yaron Weitzman. "How does that work? I was on the Wizards one year and we won 19 games. If you're on a losing team you can't say shit.
"What are you going to do? Be like, 'Oh, I missed this layup because you all suck?' If you're on a losing team and say something, the media is like, 'He’s not focused on the team, he only cares about himself,' so I tried to stay silent. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet."
Related: McGee hopes to shed 'Shaqtin' a Fool' label with Warriors
McGee's the most decorated Shaqtin' player since the segment was introduced in 2011-12. He won back-to-back MVPs in 2012 and 2013 as a member of the Washington Wizards and Denver Nuggets, and picked up the show's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. He made the playoffs only three times (never advancing past the opening round) prior to his move to the Bay Area.
Things are much different now, as the nine-year vet's flourishing with the No. 1 Dubs. His new situation gave him the confidence to fire back at O'Neal when he tried to go after him earlier this campaign.
McGee's teammates were supportive. Kevin Durant slammed Shaq for picking on him, while the Warriors reportedly contacted Turner about the show's slanted coverage of their backup big man. The controversy eventually helped McGee earn lifetime immunity from the segment.
The center's averaging 5.9 points, 3.1 boards, and 0.9 blocks off the bench while shooting a career-best 64 percent for Golden State.
