Shaquille O’Neal has been vocal about his views on various NBA-related topics. He recently criticized Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, labeling him as the worst player in the league, later trying to explain that this assessment stemmed from Gobert’s hefty contract.
The iconic center of the Los Angeles Lakers and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer has also shared his all-time starting lineup. In his selection, he honored the late Lakers star Kobe Bryant by including him, yet he omitted current L.A. superstar LeBron James, choosing instead to feature Julius Erving and Karl Malone, another former Laker, as his forwards (h/t Lakers Daily).
Shaq states Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time and unveils his all-time starting five:
Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant
Julius Erving
Karl Malone
Shaquille O’Neal(Via Sport Bild) pic.twitter.com/ydKyEFbuEc
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 27, 2024
Unsurprisingly, O’Neal included himself in his starting five.
Although many increasingly regard James as arguably the greatest NBA player of all time, or at least among the top two or three, there are still those who rank him lower on their lists. Despite being the league’s all-time leading scorer and showcasing unmatched longevity, his 4-6 record in the NBA Finals and moments of hesitation in crucial games have drawn scrutiny.
One might ponder why O’Neal opted for Erving over James, or even another legend like Boston Celtics’ Larry Bird.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers great doesn’t place LeBron James in his all-time starting five
Shaquille O’Neal Critiques Rudy Gobert and Names His All-Time Starting Five, Excluding LeBron James
Shaquille O’Neal’s Perspective on Rudy Gobert
Shaquille O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and one of the most dominant centers in basketball history, has never shied away from sharing his opinions on fellow players. Recently, O’Neal offered his critiques of Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, sparking discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Understanding Shaquille O’Neal’s Critique
O’Neal’s critique of Gobert is rooted in his belief that the modern NBA requires centers to possess a multifaceted skill set. His key points include:
– **Offensive Versatility**: O’Neal emphasizes the need for centers to contribute offensively beyond just blocking shots and grabbing rebounds. He questions Gobert’s ability to score in various ways, particularly in clutch moments.
– **Defensive Impact**: While Gobert is a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, O’Neal suggests that his defensive prowess does not always translate into significant team success. O’Neal believes that a true dominant center should impact both ends of the floor consistently.
- **Playoff Performance**: O’Neal points to Gobert’s performances in the playoffs as an area of concern, implying that the best centers should elevate their games when it matters most.
Shaquille O’Neal’s All-Time Starting Five
In addition to critiquing Gobert, Shaquille O’Neal took the opportunity to name his all-time starting five, notably excluding LeBron James from his selections. This decision has ignited debates among fans and analysts about the greatest players in NBA history.
O’Neal’s All-Time Starting Five
Here’s the lineup that Shaquille O’Neal believes stands out in NBA history:
| Position | Player | Team | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center | Shaquille O’Neal | Los Angeles Lakers | 4× NBA Champion, 3× NBA Finals MVP |
| Power Forward | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs | 5× NBA Champion, 2× MVP |
| Small Forward | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers | 5× NBA Champion, 2× NBA Finals MVP |
| Shooting Guard | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls | 6× NBA Champion, 5× MVP |
| Point Guard | Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers | 5× NBA Champion, 3× MVP |
Analyzing O’Neal’s Selections
The players O’Neal selected for his all-time starting five are renowned for their contributions to the game and their unparalleled talent. Let’s break down why these players were chosen:
Shaquille O’Neal (Center)
– **Dominance in the Paint**: O’Neal was known for his sheer size and strength, making him nearly unstoppable near the basket.
– **Impact on the Game**: His presence altered opposing defenses and garnered multiple championships.
Tim Duncan (Power Forward)
– **Fundamental Excellence**: Duncan’s remarkable footwork and fundamentals set the standard for power forwards.
- **Winning Mentality**: Known as “The Big Fundamental,” Duncan’s leadership led the Spurs to five championships.
Kobe Bryant (Small Forward)
- **Scoring Ability**: Bryant was one of the most lethal scorers in NBA history, capable of taking over games.
– **Clutch Performer**: His ability to perform in clutch situations is legendary, earning him two Finals MVPs.
Michael Jordan (Shooting Guard)
– **Greatest of All Time**: Often referred to as the GOAT, Jordan’s six championships and five MVP awards speak for themselves.
– **Influence on Basketball**: His impact on the game and culture of basketball is immeasurable.
Magic Johnson (Point Guard)
– **Innovative Playmaking**: Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his size and passing ability.
- **Showtime Lakers**: His leadership led to the “Showtime” era and five championships for the Lakers.
Why LeBron James Was Excluded
O’Neal’s decision to exclude LeBron James from his all-time starting five has raised eyebrows. Notably, O’Neal has expressed respect for James but has emphasized that his list reflects personal preference rather than a comprehensive evaluation of talent.
Factors Behind the Exclusion
– **Generational Bias**: O’Neal played in a different era and may favor players he competed against or watched closely.
– **Position Debate**: LeBron’s versatility allows him to play multiple positions, which can complicate all-time rankings.
– **Personal Preference**: Everyone has unique biases and favorite players, and O’Neal’s selections reflect his perspective on greatness.
Impact of O’Neal’s Opinions in the Basketball Community
Shaquille O’Neal’s critiques and lineup selections have significant implications for the basketball community.
Engaging Fans and Analysts
– **Fostering Discussions**: O’Neal’s opinions spark debates among fans regarding the criteria for greatness.
– **Influencing Younger Players**: His perspective offers insights for current players aiming for greatness in the NBA.
Creating Case Studies for Future Generations
– **Analyzing Performance**: O’Neal’s analysis of players like Gobert encourages future generations to evaluate all-around performance.
– **Understanding Legacy**: His all-time selections can serve as a case study for understanding how legacy and impact are assessed in basketball.
Benefits of Analyzing All-Time Greats
Understanding the dynamics of all-time great players can provide valuable lessons for basketball enthusiasts.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Players
- **Focus on Versatility**: Players should strive to develop multiple skills to impact the game positively.
– **Study Greatness**: Watching games of legends like Jordan and O’Neal can offer insights into high-level play.
Building a Winning Mindset
– **Learn from Champions**: Emulate the work ethic and competitive spirit of players like Kobe and Duncan.
– **Handle Pressure**: Understand how clutch players manage high-pressure situations and execute plays.
Conclusion: The Dialogue Continues
As Shaquille O’Neal continues to share his critiques and selections, the dialogue around basketball greatness remains vibrant. His insights shed light on the evolving nature of the game and keep fans engaged with the history and culture of basketball.
