Shaquille O’Neal recently shared why he admires Stephen Curry, describing the Golden State Warriors’ star as someone who doesn’t look like a prototypical NBA powerhouse but continuously breaks barriers with his unique skill set. On WNBA player Angel Reese’s podcast ‘Unapologetically Angel’, O’Neal explained:
“You know why I love Steph Curry? Because I’ve never seen that before… If you saw Steph on the street, he ain’t got the LeBron muscles, he’s not 6’9″, 6’10”. He looks like a perfectly normal office guy. He’s doing stuff that people never seen before.”
In Shaq’s eyes, Curry’s unassuming physique adds a new layer to his accomplishments, making his dominance on the court even more remarkable.
O’Neal, known for his towering 7-foot frame and physical style, came from an era of big men who thrived on brute strength and interior dominance. For someone like Shaq, who lived and breathed the “big man” game, Curry’s success redefined what it means to be an NBA superstar.
Unlike LeBron James, who possesses both size and athleticism, Curry lacks the physical advantages typically associated with an elite athlete, yet has consistently proven to be one of the most influential players in modern NBA history. This juxtaposition, between his appearance and his impact, is what fascinates O’Neal most about Curry.
Shaq also likened Curry to Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, a sharpshooter from the ’90s who displayed flashes of Curry’s range, yet notes that Curry has taken the long-range game to unprecedented heights. Before Curry, the three-point shot was often seen as a supplementary strategy.
Teams relied more on size and physical presence in the paint, leaving shooting largely to role players. Curry, however, revolutionized this approach. His skill, combined with his strategic playmaking, turned the three-point line into an essential weapon, shifting the league’s priorities and making shooting an indispensable part of every team’s game plan. Shaq points out that Curry’s three-point proficiency doesn’t stem from physical prowess but from refined skill, dedication, and exceptional basketball IQ.
O’Neal has long been vocal about his respect for Curry, even calling him “the greatest shooter of all time” and considering him one of the best point guards in history. Shaq’s admiration goes beyond Curry’s basketball achievements—he sees Curry as an inspiration for everyday people.
In O’Neal’s words, Curry’s normal, “office guy” look means he “makes millions dream” because he doesn’t embody the stereotypical image of an NBA superstar. Curry’s success gives hope to players who may not fit the mold but aspire to greatness through skills they can control, like shooting and court vision.
Curry’s influence has also extended far beyond individual accolades. His style has transformed the NBA itself, influencing even big men to step outside the paint and develop long-range shots. Today, centers like Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid regularly take three-pointers, a shift that would have been unthinkable during Shaq’s era. O’Neal acknowledges that Curry’s style has reshaped the game’s core dynamics, proving that success can be achieved without the traditional physical advantages.
Shaq’s appreciation for Curry exemplifies his recognition of a new NBA era, one where skill and versatility often outweigh sheer physicality. Curry’s trailblazing has made it clear that success in the NBA isn’t solely reserved for the tallest or most muscular; instead, it’s about mastering one’s unique strengths and pushing boundaries.
For O’Neal, Curry’s unassuming, relatable persona doesn’t detract from his impact—in fact, it’s part of what makes him extraordinary. Shaq’s admiration is a powerful endorsement of Curry’s legacy, underscoring how Curry has redefined what’s possible in basketball, inspiring a generation to believe that they, too, can succeed.
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