Once upon a time in the NBA, there was a dominant force that towered over his opponents both in size and skill: Shaquille O’Neal. A name that struck fear in the hearts of defenders and left a lasting impact on the game.
As the league evolved, new stars emerged, boasting incredible athleticism and shooting prowess. Yet, when asked about today’s NBA elite, Shaq still believes he would still be a dominant force in the modern game, giving his reasonings as to why his claims are legitimate.
Shaquille O’Neal explains why he’d still dominate the NBA today
Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary NBA player turned analyst and businessman, once claimed that he would still dominate the league if he played today. Known as one of the most powerful players in NBA history, Shaq confidently asserted that he is the most dominant player to ever step on a basketball court.
“I’m the most dominant player to ever step on a basketball court,” Shaq said as he firmly believed that no one could have stopped him during his prime.
Throughout his career, Shaquille O’Neal faced criticism for not giving his all in every game. However, he pointed out that he won four championships, earned three Finals MVP titles, and consistently delivered when it mattered most, further emphasizing his impressive achievements, ranking top 10 in points, 5th in all-time playoff points, and being a Hall of Famer.
Reflecting on his success, Shaquille O’Neal attributes his ability to lead to surrounding himself with intelligent individuals and being unafraid to seek help. As a businessman and philanthropist, he now assists others in their journeys.
Considering the current state of the game, Shaq believes that the increased emphasis on three-pointers and shooters would create more open space in the paint, allowing him to dominate just as he did in his prime.
“I think I would just be just as dominant,” Shaq said. “With how open the game is now and with all those three-pointers and shooters, the paint would be much more open for me to work on.”
With his incredible scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities, it’s hard to argue with the notion that Shaq would still be a force to be reckoned with in today’s NBA.
As the game continued to evolve and new dominant players emerged, like Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and the rookie sensation Victor Wembanayama, Shaq acknowledges that his perspective might have shifted. However, one thing remains certain: his sheer dominance and imposing presence would still make him a formidable force in today’s modern game.
Shaquille O’Neal once said NBA players are lucky that he’s not playing
Shaquille O’Neal recently reminded NBA fans of his incredible skills by sharing an old video compilation on Instagram. The imposing figure and charismatic player playfully captioned the post, “y’all lucky I’m not playing in this era,” indicating his belief that current players would have a tough time matching up against him.
O’Neal’s words were met with overwhelming support from fans and fellow players, with some even going as far as calling him “The greatest center of all time.” And it’s not hard to see why. Throughout his illustrious career, Shaq left a lasting impact on the league and amassed an extraordinary list of accomplishments.
Boasting a career spanning 1207 games, O’Neal averaged an impressive 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His physical dominance and exceptional skills earned him numerous accolades, including 15 All-Star selections, 2 Scoring Championships, 4 NBA Championships, and 14 All-NBA team nods.
Additionally, O’Neal was recognized for his exceptional rookie season, being named to the All-Rookie team and winning the Rookie of the Year Award in 1992-93. He was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end as well, earning 3 All-Defensive team selections.
Not only did O’Neal perform at an elite level individually, but he was also a key player in his team’s success. With three All-Star Game MVPs, three Finals MVPs, and a regular-season MVP award in 1999-00, O’Neal showcased his ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments for his team.
To solidify his status as an all-time great, O’Neal was also named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team and has been honored with a well-deserved spot in the Hall of Fame.
Though retired, Shaquille O’Neal’s impact on the game of basketball remains undeniable. Who knows, how much of a dominant figure he would have been if he played in the current NBA era?
