The NBA is back and with it comes the return of TNT’s Inside the NBA, which is known for its’ free-wheeling and candid commentary.

On the opening night broadcast on Tuesday, NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal didn’t hesitate to wade into the NBA’s most controversial off-season topic, the Daryl Morey tweet that sparked an international incident. When discussing the events, Shaq was unequivocal in his support of Morey, saying “Daryl Morey was right.”

Shaq on Daryl Morey/China "One of our best values here in America is free speech we're allowed to say what we want to say and we are allowed to speak out on injustices and that's just how it goes. and if people don't understand that that's something they have to deal with. pic.twitter.com/vefcHSPlMD — gifdsports (@gifdsports) October 22, 2019

“One of our best values here in America is free speech we’re allowed to say what we want to say and we are allowed to speak out on injustices and that’s just how it goes,” he said. “If people don’t understand that that’s something they have to deal with. I just think it as unfortunate for both parties and you got people speaking when they don’t know what they’re talking about, but Daryl Morey was right. Whenever you see something wrong in the world you should have the right to say, ‘that’s not right’ and that’s what he did.”

Shaq’s comments are a stark contrast to the line that NBA players and coaches have towed in hedging their comments over the Hong Kong protests in deference to business interests in China. But unlike LeBron James, James Harden, Steve Kerr and many others, Shaq doesn’t have the same business interests to protect. He’s basically free to say what he wants without fear of any monetary repercussions or official reprimands from the NBA. Even if the players aren’t free or willing to express themselves on this issue, it’s nice to know that Shaq is at least there to shore up the causes of free speech and democracy.