In a recent episode of the ‘BIG Podcast,’ NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal gave his honest take on which of today’s basketball stars could thrive also in his era of the game. Unsurprisingly, it was a short list.
D.C. Young Fly: “Who do you see in today’s time that could have played during y’all’s time?”
Shaquille O’Neal: “I think about that all the time. Anthony Edwards is big and strong. LeBron, of course… well, he did play in that era. Kevin Durant also played in our era, but that’s about it.”
As a 4x champion, 3x Finals MVP, and 15x All-Star, Shaquille O’Neal had a wildly successful career. With averages of 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, he dominated during an era of big men, physical play, and elite interior defense.
Shaq has been retired since 2011 but as an analyst for Inside the NBA, he frequently makes it known where he stands on modern basketball topics, like paying round the rim and the evolution of the game itself since the early 2000s.
It’s no secret how Shaquille O’Neal and other OG players feel about the modern NBA. With three-point shooting higher than ever and physicality brought to a minimum, the league has changed a lot from the days when Shaq dominated the West and he believes there are only three players today who could have survived the toughness and physicality of the league back in his time: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Edwards.
As two of the best wing players in NBA history, a strong case could be made that LeBron James (4x champion) and Kevin Durant (2x champion) have a timeless game that will translate to any period. They know what it takes to win, they know how to handle the pressure, and they have the talent, will, and experience to prove they belong with the all-time greats.
Even with James and Durant, the most interesting mention by Shaquille O’Neal was Anthony Edwards. Ant is just 23 years old and he doesn’t have nearly the same track record as Shaq, LeBron, or Durant. What he does have (besides superior talent) is a ruthless competitive spirit that brings out the best in him and his teammates.
Edwards may not want to be the face of the NBA but he has all the requirements to fill that role. The combination of his athleticism, passion, and work ethic has gained him the respect of many players, both former and current. His fearless approach to the game is rare to see among players so young and is only comparable to legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
Edwards will not reach those heights, but it says a lot that Shaq picked him as one of three modern-day players who could thrive in the previous era. Clearly, O’Neal has a lot of respect for the young star and now it’s on Edwards to back up his faith and prove that he can deliver on expectations.
Meanwhile, for LeBron and Durant, we already know what to expect. As bonafide champions and legends, you have to respect their game, and even into their late 30s and early 40s, they will continue to set an example for their peers and the younger generation.
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