Abdul-Jabbar Kareem
Shaq believed that he was inspired by the great big guys and outperformed them
The center position in the NBA is one that has produced many greats over the years, leading to intense discussions about who is the best. Every period has its outstanding big men, and we could construct a plethora of lists despite the fact that the league’s current evolution has diminished their significance and worth.
It is a personal choice.
Basketball has always been centered around height and centers, from George Mikan to Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, and eventually to the present players like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić. You still need that inside presence, even though their significance may have been diminished by the focus on the three-point shooting.
Many of these outstanding center players were part of the legendary Lakers franchise. It makes for difficult discussions regarding who was the best big man in the history of the NBA because the team with the most titles has always wanted to have him on the squad.
Shaq frequently expresses his admiration for the large men that came before him, but being the self-assured person that he is, he will always rank himself very highly. Shaq frequently claimed that Bill Russell was superior to him, but O’Neal believes he is superior to players who are on a comparable level, including as Wilt, Kareem, and Hakeem.
Shaq made a brief speech on a recent Big Podcast episode explaining how he went above and beyond Wilt and Kareem:
“Kareem and Wilt served as my inspiration, and look where I am now. I elevated it to a new plane.”
Shaquille O’Neal: The Huge Shaq Podcast
It’s difficult to argue against that, though, particularly in light of Shaquille’s extreme dominance in his younger and prime years. Many fans would concur with that idea, but the numbers and a deeper analysis are necessary.
It’s difficult to argue against that, though, particularly in light of Shaquille’s extreme dominance in his younger and prime years. Many fans would concur with that idea, but the numbers and a deeper analysis are necessary.
