Shaquille O'Neal has softened his stance on the New York Knicks, but his latest attempt to celebrate their championship win has drawn criticism. The NBA legend released an AI-generated rap video on July 10, 2026, featuring himself and AI versions of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and ESPN commentator Mike Breen. The video, which includes O'Neal rapping 'we the champs,' has been called out as 'slop' by some fans.

What Happened in the Video?

The two-minute and 22-second video shows O'Neal rocking Knicks gear and praising the team's victory. He shouts out Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns, who played at O'Neal's SEC rival Kentucky, and references the team's main color with the line 'look up in the blue sky, now it’s getting orange.' However, the use of AI-generated content and O'Neal's sudden shift in tone have not been well-received by all fans.

Why the Backlash?

Some fans have criticized O'Neal for his past disrespect towards the Knicks, especially during his playing days with the Los Angeles Lakers. One fan commented, 'Shaq talked s— about the Knicks for years and now does this…everyone trying to monetize from the Knicks winning.' Others have mocked the AI elements of the video, calling it 'slop' and questioning O'Neal's sincerity.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

Not all fans are against O'Neal's newfound support for the Knicks. Some see it as an apology for his past criticism, while others simply enjoy the celebratory nature of the video. One fan laughed at the idea of O'Neal, an LSU and NBA legend, rapping about the Knicks. Despite the mixed reactions, O'Neal has continued to show his support for the team.

O'Neal's Message to Knicks Fans

In addition to the rap video, O'Neal sent a message to Knicks fans on July 10, 2026, congratulating them on their championship win. He tweeted, 'Enjoy the parade NYC. Congrats to the New York Knicks, you guys earned and deserve this moment.' This message has been met with both acceptance and skepticism from fans, but it is clear that O'Neal is joining the millions celebrating the Knicks' long-awaited championship.