‘On assignment’ Shaq draws wild theories in 76ers-Knicks Game 2
Former NBA celebrity large man Shaquille O’Neal was lacking in motion throughout Wednesday night time’s version of “NBA Tip-off” on ESPN.
Taking Shaq’s place for the second is Golden State Warriors star energy ahead Draymond Green, who joins Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley in the studio amid Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second-round collection guessween the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in the Big Apple.
It’s unclear why Shaq is not together with his ESPN buddies on Wednesday, however Johnson mentioned that the Basketball Hall of Famer “is on assignment.”
That prompted some on-line reactions from followers on social media.
@shaq on project pic.twitter.com/wSJztuovek
— Matt Sinatra 🤌 (@TheMattSinatra) May 7, 2026
Shaq on project @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/ZWqFP4FdeB
— ScHarry Movie 👻📼 (@scHarrystories) May 7, 2026
@ESPNNBA Shaq when the cameras discover him on “assignment.” #insidethenba pic.twitter.com/pOFrmPXgFC
— Rashad Grove (@theGroveness) May 7, 2026
“Where the hell is Shaq? This is a full on bait and switch,” one fan said.
one other one said: “NBA tip off…. If your going to replace Shaq, don’t bring on hater Dray.”
A distinct fan had this to say:
“How can we ruin NBA Tip Off?”
“Let’s replace Shaq with Draymond”
“Brilliant”@espn @ESPNNBA
@shaq on “assignment” @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/7RcBRC1AQ1
—Kevin (@KevinsNotHere94) May 7, 2026
Shaq is actually and figuratively an incredible persona on any present he is a part of.
That being mentioned, his absence on Wednesday should not damage the present a lot. Green looks like a succesful placeholder for the previous NBA Most Valuable Player. That’s to not point out the eye that Green can entice, particularly amid his controversial verbal sparring with Austin Rivers. The former Defensive Player of the Year has even provided some great quotes on the night.
In any case, the sport will at all times be the primary draw, because the 76ers look to tie the collection at 1-1 and keep away from falling right down to a 2-0 collection gap in opposition to the very harmful Knicks aspect.
Former NBA celebrity large man Shaquille O’Neal was lacking in motion throughout Wednesday night time’s version of “NBA Tip-off” on ESPN. Taking Shaq’s place for the second is Golden State Warriors star energy ahead Draymond Green, who joins Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley in the studio amid Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second-round collection between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in the Big Apple.
