Shaquille O’Neal reveals why he feels sorry for Ben Simmons

Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal has detailed his plan to bring an NBA game to Melbourne and why he feels sorry for our home-grown talent Ben Simmons.

Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal has revealed he feels sorry for Melbourne NBA talent Ben Simmons but declared it’s up to the young gun to relocate the path to success.

O’Neal said Simmons had been hyped for greatness but was yet to reach his full potential after battling mental health issues and seemingly struggling with the price of fame.

“It’s up to him,” he said

“He’s a fine player and I can remember a time when he was heralded to be the next LeBron James.

“This is a tough sport we play … a lot of people can take criticism – a lot of people can’t.

“I wish him well.

“He’s had personal problems but I want him to succeed and I’ve been hard on him because I feel as an elder statesman it’s my job.

“I know what it takes to get to the top, top, top level and that guy knows what it takes to be great.

“He’s had some personal problems and I don’t like to measure that so I wish him well and hope that he can come back strong.”

Shaquille O'Neal in Melbourne ahead of his speaking tour. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

In Melbourne for a sold out “Evening with Shaquille O’Neal” on Thursday, presented by The Hour Group, he said his eyes had been opened to the level of interest in basketball down under.

The four time NBA champion and 15 time All Star – one of the greatest to play the game – has fallen in love with Melbourne and declared the time has come for a historic first NBA match on Australian soil.

He told the Herald Sun he would personally meet with NBA commissioner Adam Silver to bring the most famous basketball league in the world to Melbourne and Sydney.

“I will mention it to the commissioner, I will,” he said.

“It’s a global game so why should all the games be played in America?

“If I was in charge I would go to a different country every year and I’m sure it’s in the works for Australia.

“I will ask him about Australia and I won’t speak for Mr Silver but it will get done.

“I know it will.”

Aussie basketball export Ben Simmons. Picture: Getty Images

Before championing Australia’s case for an NBA game, O’Neal is keen to soak up all Melbourne has to offer – including visiting Melbourne Zoo to see a kangaroo and going shopping for his mum and sisters.

The 216cm tall sporting sensation who wears size 22 shoes will DJ a live gig at 170 Russell St and speak to business luminaries and charities.

He could also be tempted to buy into an NBL team in Australia – but only if he could find a new life partner.

“In order to be involved in a team I would probably have to be over here,’’ he said.

“So if I meet a nice Australian lady I will get married and I’ll come back.’’

An Evening with Shaquille O’Neal is available to watch on Main Event via Foxtel and Kayo Sports.

Originally published as Shaquille O’Neal reveals why he feels sorry for Ben Simmons