Speaking in a recent episode of ‘the OGs’ show, NBA veteran Gilbert Arenas and former NBA sharpshooter Mike Miller spoke about Shaquille O’Neal in the modern NBA. According to the former league veterans, Shaq would be totally unstoppable in the modern-day format.
Gilbert Arenas: “If Shaq played today, what would he do? We’re going to throw the ball down to him, punish dudes that are 210. Can you average 60 and 34?”
Mike Miller: “Most dominant big man I’ve ever seen in my life, obviously. We had a defense for him and there was nothing you could do. There was nothing you can do with that big fella. Half the time, he didn’t even know he got fouled. I hit that motherf**ker so hard one time that my arm hurt and I was like damn ‘my bad big fella.’ He goes ‘you hit me?’ Like c’mon man get your a** out of here.”
Gilbert Arenas & Udonis Haslem discuss Shaq’s dominance:
“If Shaq played today, what would he do? We’re going to throw the ball down to him, punish dudes that are 210. Can you average 60 & 34?”
What would Shaq do to the league if he was playing in today's league?
Via… pic.twitter.com/Gcho7O2T4D
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) August 13, 2024
Shaquille O’Neal was a cut above the typical NBA big man. With superior size and strength, he was a wrecking ball in the paint who completely dominated his opponents. During his career, which includes stints with the Magic, Lakers, and Heat, he won four championships — two alongside Kobe Bryant and another two with Heat legend Dwyane Wade.
At 7’1″ and 325 pounds in his prime, O’Neal was an absolute tank during his NBA career. The iconic big man was unstoppable under the rim for his strength, size, and relentless attack of the rim. Over 19 years in the NBA, he averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game on 58% shooting.
He retired in 2011 as a 2x scoring leader, 15x All-Star, 4x champion, and 14x All-NBA player. For his resume, strength, and astounding success, O’Neal is widely credited for being the most dominant player in basketball history and he’s the epitome of dominant interior play.
In today’s game, it’s hard to say how Shaq’s skills would transfer. On one hand, his lack of shooting or perimeter shot-making of any kind could become a major liability and it might limit his impact on the floor. But with today’s game being less physical than ever, O’Neal might go completely unchallenged in the paint.
No NBA athlete right now would have an answer for Shaquille O’Neal’s power under the rim and nobody would be able to guard him without committing a foul.
Of course, the Diesel himself has already spoken on this topic. While he recognizes his potential for success in today’s game, he covets the ability of modern bigs to shoot threes and score from the outside.
Besides guys like Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, and Joel Embiid, the NBA doesn’t have anyone to challenge Shaq and it’s anyone’s guess what kind of numbers he’d put up if he were active today.
Clearly, even decades after his career, Shaq’s legacy as a star and a dominant force in this league remains intact. The guy was arguably the most unstoppable force we’ve seen and players who played with him back then are still going off on just how unbelievable he was on the court.
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