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Charles Barkley: Shaq is Interested in the Orlando GM Job and Will Interview Soon
Reports surfaced Wednesday that Shaquille O’Neal would be discussing the open general manager position with the Orlando Magic. Quite frankly, when I first read that, by jaw hit the floor. I couldn’t figure out what was weirder: Shaq as a rapper, Shaq as a police officer or Shaq as a potential general manager. But, Charles Barkley says it’s true, that Shaq has told him that he’s interested in the position and Barkley expects him to interview for the job in the very near future. It would be an interesting move, that’s for sure. I can’t really picture it, especially given Orlando’s situation wondering if Dwight Howard will stick around. Shaq and Howard have had their moments before, so the move seems a bit nuts, but we’ll see what actually goes down.
Charles Barkley joined The Dan Patrick Show to discuss the merits of Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James, Kobe Bryant vs. Tim Duncan, what he makes of Shaq and the Magic, Shaq’s interest in the position, Shaq’s situation when it comes to Dwight Howard, Howard’s indecisiveness, the Miami Heat not being able to win a championship, if Kobe Bryant can win another and the possibility of trading Andrew Bynum.
If you could have the future of Kevin Durant or LeBron James, which would you pick?:
“LeBron James. He’s going to be the best basketball player in the world the next five to 10 years. … He’ll get better because he’ll just get more mature, but he’s the best player in the world.”
Better player in their generation, Kobe Bryant or Tim Duncan?:
“Wow, that’s a great question. How do I answer that question? Tim Duncan is the best power forward ever. Kobe Bryant is one of the 10 greatest players ever. … I’m not sure how to answer that question.”
Do you make anything of this talk of Shaq discussing being a GM with the Orlando Magic?:
“It’s interesting, to be honest with you. Obviously they’re trying to do anything to keep Dwight there and bring a buzz. … They’ve got to do something, either way, whether Dwight stays there or not. Bringing Shaquille in as your general manager is an attention-getter. Whether Dwight stays or leaves, you’re bringing attention to your organization.”
Is Shaq interested in that job?:
“Yes. I don’t know what’s going to happen, obviously. Obviously we’re aware that he’s interviewing for the job. … He’s from Orlando and has affection for the organization, so we’ve just got to sit back and wait.” He told you he’s interested in it?: “Yes.” When’s he interviewing?: “I’m not sure when he’s interviewing for the job, but I think it’ll be now or sometime real soon.”
Isn’t Shaq always poking fun at Dwight Howard?:
“I think they’ve had some issues in the past, but I think they are friends, to be honest with you. I think they’re cordial friends. I think Shaq has taken some shots at Dwight that were unnecessary and uncalled for, but Dwight’s a great player and a great kid.”
More on the Dwight Howard situation:
“I’m not sure Dwight knows what the hell he wants to do. As I said on the show, Dwight needs to grow up and be a man and make a decision. He’s either got to stay or he’s got to go. The way he’s handled the situation right now is not cool at all. Stan Van Gundy is a great coach and I thought he got screwed by the organization. … I’m sick of talking [about the Howard situation].”
On the Miami Heat:
“You know what the problem is? That team’s not great. They lost to Dallas because they’re very small and they have no depth on the bench. And they’re not going to win the championship. They might win this series against Indy. They might even beat the Sixers or the Celtics, but they’re not going to beat the [Spurs] or the Oklahoma City Thunder. … LeBron is going to get the heat because people just don’t like all the stuff that went on in his life. But the guy is underrated; he’s unbelievable.”
Will Kobe Bryant win another title?:
“They can reload quickly. … Once you trade one of those big guys, you’re going to be able to bring something good in. I do think you’ve got to trade one of those big guys and you can bring a couple good guys in.”
I would probably trade Bynum:
“I agree with that because I’m not sure he’s ever going to reach his full potential. There’s just something missing, in my opinion. But I think you do trade him, get a bunch of good pieces. They’ve got to get more athletic, obviously, and they’ve got to get some depth on the bench. I would do that.”
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