Shaquille O’Neal recently made waves with his bold claim that he would average an astonishing 60 points per game in today’s league. Not stopping there, he asserted that he would demand a staggering $300 million annual salary, tax-free if he were playing in the current era.
“Oh, if I was playing, I’d average 60 in this league today. Easily. These little cupcakes. I’d average 60. Trust me. And they would have to pay me 300 million a year tax-free.”
— John Brisker (@JohnBrisker2021) March 6, 2024
O’Neal’s assertion, while brash, reflects his confidence in his abilities and his belief in the evolution of the game. During his prime, Shaq was virtually unstoppable in the paint, utilizing his size, strength, and agility to dominate opponents.
Standing at a towering 7 feet 1 inch and weighing over 300 pounds, he was a physical specimen unlike any other in NBA history. His combination of power and finesse made him a nightmare matchup for defenders, leading to four NBA championships and numerous accolades throughout his career.
In today’s NBA, where the game has shifted towards perimeter-oriented play and pace-and-space offenses, O’Neal’s assertion of averaging 60 points per game seems audacious. However, his reasoning likely stems from his belief in his ability to exploit the lack of dominant big men in the league today. With his size and skill set, he would undoubtedly wreak havoc in the paint against smaller, less physically imposing defenders.
To put O’Neal’s claim into perspective, the current highest scorer in the NBA, Luka Doncic, is averaging around 34.6 points per game. While Doncic is undoubtedly a prolific scorer, O’Neal’s assertion of nearly doubling that output speaks to his confidence in his scoring prowess.
Regarding his salary demand, O’Neal’s proposed $300 million annual contract, tax-free, is astronomical even by today’s standards. The highest earner in the NBA this year, Stephen Curry, is making $51.9 million, and that’s before taxes. O’Neal’s proposed salary would far surpass any contract in NBA history. For context, the largest contract in NBA history, signed by Jaylen Brown, amounts to $304 million over five years. O’Neal’s hypothetical demand would dwarf even that staggering figure.
While O’Neal’s comments may come across as brash or exaggerated, they highlight the confidence and swagger that defined his playing career. His dominance on the court left an indelible mark on the NBA, and his larger-than-life personality continues to captivate fans and pundits alike.
Whether or not he would actually average 60 points per game and command a $300 million salary remains speculative, but there’s no denying that in his prime, Shaq was a force to be reckoned with, and his impact on the game of basketball is undeniable.
Shaquille O’Neal Would Not Average 60 And He Does Not Deserve A $300 Million Contract
While Shaquille O’Neal’s confidence in his abilities is undeniable, the notion that he would average 60 points per game in today’s NBA and command a $300 million contract seems far-fetched and unrealistic. There are several factors to consider that would likely hinder Shaq’s ability to achieve such lofty feats in the modern game.
Firstly, Shaq would undoubtedly face constant defensive schemes designed to neutralize his scoring prowess. The infamous “Hack-a-Shaq” strategy, in which opposing teams intentionally foul him to send him to the free-throw line, would likely be employed frequently. Given Shaq’s historically poor free-throw shooting, this tactic could significantly hinder his scoring output and make the idea of averaging 60 points per game highly improbable.
Furthermore, the evolution of defensive strategies in today’s NBA would pose challenges to Shaq’s offensive dominance. While he was virtually unstoppable in the paint during his playing days, modern defenses would likely employ double teams and zone defenses to contain him. Additionally, Shaq’s lack of shooting range would make it easier for defenders to sag off him and clog the paint, further limiting his scoring opportunities.
Defensively, Shaq’s physical style of play would also present challenges in today’s game. With the NBA’s emphasis on player safety and stricter enforcement of fouls, Shaq’s aggressive tactics could result in frequent fouls and potential ejections. Moreover, his struggles in defending pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop situations against smaller, more agile players would be exploited by opposing offenses.
Now coming to the salary side of things, it’s crucial to understand the financial constraints imposed by the NBA’s salary cap system. The current salary cap for an entire team this year is approximately $136 million, with next year’s cap expected to increase to around $141 million.
Even the wealthiest team in the league, the Golden State Warriors, have a maximum allowable payroll capped at $224 million. Given these limitations, the notion of Shaquille O’Neal commanding a $300 million contract simply isn’t feasible within the confines of the NBA’s financial regulations.
Furthermore, the NBA has strict rules and regulations regarding salary cap compliance, making it highly improbable that any team could offer such an exorbitant contract without violating league regulations and tax laws. The concept of offering a $300 million contract, let alone one that is tax-free, exceeds the financial capabilities of any NBA franchise under the current or possible future salary cap structure.
While Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance in his prime is unquestionable, the notion of him averaging 60 points per game and commanding a $300 million contract in today’s NBA is implausible. While he would undoubtedly still be a dominant force, various factors, including defensive schemes, rule changes, and salary cap constraints, would likely prevent him from achieving such extraordinary feats in the modern game.
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