Shaquille O’Neal is hands down one of the best players to ever play in the NBA. Shaq’s biggest asset was using his sheer power to dominate opponents close to the hoop. While Shaq never really had a good jump shot, he didn’t need it.
For starters, he came to the league when it was dominated by bigs. So coming into the league as a 7’1″ center with an athletic body, he was destined to succeed. O’Neal lived up to those expectations and had an amazing career in the league.
He won four NBA Championships and received several other accolades throughout his time in the NBA. But would Shaq dominate the league if he played today? While it shouldn’t even be a debate, there are many who believe O’Neal would struggle in today’s era due to the way that the game is played.
Nowadays, most teams have adopted the strategy of winning games by utilizing the three-point shot. And since Shaq never even developed a good two-point shot, many believe he wouldn’t be a superstar in today’s NBA.
Shaquille O’Neal Silences His Doubters
Apart from being a dominant player, Shaq has been someone who has never been silent when he was or is criticized by anyone. Instead, he usually claps back at them with facts. He once again did so by saying he’s will be a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo if he played in today’s era.
Via ESPN:
“I would actually love to play in this NBA. I would bring a little bit more physicality. I would bring my length, I would bring my athletic-ness. So, before you say, ‘Shaq can’t play in this era today,’ I’m already playing. My name is Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
The Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the NBA right now. But instead of relying on his shooting ability, the Greek Freak gets the job done with inside scoring.
While Giannis is improving his jumper, that’s still not a reliable skill for him as of now. Despite that, Giannis won an NBA Championship in 2021 and will most likely win a few more before he retires from the NBA.
