Shaq: Today's players are 'pudding pops' when it comes to critiques

Shaquille O'Neal believes players in today's NBA have become too sensitive to constructive criticism.

While appearing on "The Dan Patrick Show" on Monday, O'Neal contrasted his approach to criticism with that of current players, arguing that they aren't as accepting of it as he was.

"A lot of people right now (say), 'Oh, you're too hard on the youngsters.' Well, I'm just doing what was done to me," O'Neal said. "I can remember when I was averaging 30-35 in L.A., but we would always get swept, and the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said, 'Hey, you guys haven't won a championship yet.' Did I whine? Did I cry? Did I complain on social media? Nope, I didn't say anything because Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had G-14 classification to say that. What am I going to do, have a dispute with the greatest NBA player ever?

"So when he said that, when he gave me constructive criticism, I took it and I listened and I brought my game to another level. These guys now are pudding pops. You say something about them, 'Oh, Shaq's hating.'"

O'Neal has ruffled some feathers with his blunt criticism, but changing his ways doesn't appear to be on his mind.