Shaq was a lot quicker in his young days and had some good handles and footwork for a big man when he was with Orlando, but still doesn’t compare to young MJ in my opinion.
Jordan's rookie year all day. We knew Shaq was going to be dominant because of college. Jordan was nice in college too but no one knew how good he was because Dean Smith holds his players back. This made Jordan's rookie year a total suprise and nightmare for teams for years to come.
Jordan was stellar, 28 on 51%, 6, 6, and 2.4 steals.....Shaq was a beast....23 on 56%, 14, and 3.5 blocks....and prior to that arguably the previous best Rookie Year, Bird: 21 on 47%, 10, 4.5 and 1.7 steals.....Jordan Rookie year...like he was shot out of a cannon!!
My man, dude, I loooove your work. I grew up in the 70s and 80s, so I love that era, when a physical style was the real deal. Today, you can't even touch your opponents.
I don't know about it being that close. Rookie Mike guided his team to their first playoffs in 4 years. There he averaged 29.3 pts, 8.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals, 1 block against reigning back-to-back DPOY guard Sidney Moncrief & his 59 game-winning Bucks. The Bulls even won a game but Milwaukee prevailed 3-1.
When Jordan stepped into the NBA, there was no guard who could handle him man to man. When Shaq stepped into the league there still were Centers who could handle him, like Hakeem for example..
@@grv3192 , I think if he were to hit 60-70% of his free throws, he would have maybe been higher on the scoring list, and maybe won more championships.
Jordan averaged about five more points, O"neal seven more rebounds. Very incredible stats. They both were very hard to guard. One was dominant in one way and the other was dominant in another specific way. It is very close. A slight edge to Jordan regarding their rookie seasons. Shaq is more skilled than most think. He had height too besides weight. He could shoot one hand float shots sometimes in a game. He shot 50-55% from the free-throw line, enough to get him points still. He rebounded well and blocked along with contested shots. His rookie year he averaged 3.5 blocks and 13.9 rebounds. Not to mention he averaged 23.4 points. Jordan at 28.2 ppg was incredible.
Players like Shaq always have the asterisk, sometimes big and sometimes mad small, that they were able to do a lotta their damage by just throwing their height and weight around and some of the high efficiency stats are due to dunks and easy lays. Players like Jordan on the other hand, while still incredibly physically gifted, had to have a good amount of skill to do as well imo. The skyhook is more impressive than running people over or just always being bigger than everyone for example.
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I grew up watching the best basketball of all time. Without a doubt the best players. I didn’t appreciate it. Glad I didn’t know what the NBA would turn into.
The hype around Shaq his rookie year is similar to what we are seeing with Wemby. It always happens when someone of a different size like that comes around. He more than lived up to the hype but MJ came in like ten ton hammer and turned the league on its ear and shook it ferociously. Only Bird and Magic coming in the same year and having such an immediate impact is on the same level as MJ. Speaking of the modern ear obviously, because Wilt was a whole different beast too. I just wasn’t there to see it and I stick to what I saw with my own eyes
@@terrellbaker1660 well Isiah was a great player but no one wanted to play with him because of what the Bad Boys did. MJ hated him, Larry too, Magic Johnson took issue with the unkind words Isiah said publicly when Magic announced he was HIV positive. And that unfortunately had a bigger impact than his skills. You can't be a bad guy and expect no one to take it into account.
@@andrzejzborowski4920 I agree. But just from a talent standpoint imagine how much more dominant the Dream Team would have been with Shaq and Isiah. It is actually scary to think about.
@@terrellbaker1660 well, yes, but there could have been more conflicts between players, like in 1996, when there was no clear leader. Real people play, not names and statistics. This is a team game. Dream Team I had three leaders. MJ, Magic and Larry. Dream Team III had none.
@@andrzejzborowski4920 While I agree with you on the human aspect of the situation I am speaking on purely a talent standpoint. Think of it like it was NBA2K. Dream Team vs the World. Let the computer play against the computer and watch the results. XBox doesn't give a damn about beef and leadership. I am sure you understand what I am saying.
It took Jordan a couple/few seasons to really impact the game while I'd say that Shaq was a real threat on day 1. Now obviously Jordan's impact was way bigger, but I'd say that Shaq's initial rookie appearance had the league shook.
Shaq was crazy. No one had the legacy or success Mike did but plenty were playing better arguably for a few seasons, mostly big men like Robinson, Hakeem and Shaq. You just can't understate the impact of 12+ board and 3+ blks a night.
We should compare them to other legendary ROTY players. Bob Pettit , Elgin, Wilt, Oscar, Kareem, Larry, David Robinson, Allen Iverson, LeBron, Durant...
While Lakers Shaq gets the press due to the accolades and titles (2 of which were products of controversial refereeing), Orlando Shaq was the more complete all-around 2-way player having to contend with a bevy of terrific centers (Lakers Shaq had little competition at center with many having retired or past their primes).
I can get behind that shaqs was like close to equal that 5 points per game how many games did that win michael and become a loose for shaq is what i want to know? And so on with the other stats that differ! Cause stats are awesome but the wins get you the chip so who ever contributed to theirs teams success would get the nod for me when its so close so I give it to Michael and to me 4 players had a nice grip on the 90;s ...Jordan...Hakeem...Kobe...Shaq...Now we have more 1 and then done for a year or so then we do repeats! Which 90's was full of repeats that got more mature and better prepared each year!
Shaq rookie year was like Hakeem Olajuwon's was, and that wasn't good enough to be remembered because of Jordan rookie year; Shaq wouldn't have won ROY in Jordan rookie year either.....
great question, i gotta go with shaq, the competition he had a rookie was a lot harder than when jordan was a rookie. stats are about even......shaq made Orland better quicker, in a shorter amount of time then jordan and da bulls. Jordan IS the GOAT, Shaq top 5 center.
No, it wasn't. Showtime Lakers, Bird Celtics, Moses, Dr.J, Barkley Sixers, etc. Shaq didn't make Orlando better quicker, he got Penny in 94 and Grant in 95 while already having N.Anderson & D.Scott.
Let's put this into perspective. MJ beat Hakeem Olajuwon for the ROY. Hakeem Olajuwon then led his Houston Rockets past the Showtime Lakers in the WCF the following season only to lose to arguably the 2nd greatest team ever assembled, the 80s Celtic's in 6 games. This was only Hakeem's sophomore season. Shaq's Magic beat the recently returned to the NBA and not completely in basketball shape, MJ, and his Bull's in the ECF in Shaq's 3rd season onlt to be swept by Hakeem's Rockets in the finals. Both incredible feats for both young bigs, however, Hakeem's feat is even more impressive. MJ BEAT that Hakeem for ROY. So rookie MJ > rookie Hakeem > rookie Shaq.
Olajuwon (this is not a diminishment of him in any way) had MAJOR help in getting to the NBA Finals against the Celtics---RALPH SAMPSON. In fact, Sampson scored the winning shot to eliminate the SHOWTIME Lakers. If Sampson hadn't incurred those dreadful injuries, Jordan wouldn't have gotten six rings. Why do I say this? Jordan himself said it was a good thing that Houston couldn't get out of the West, because the Bulls had NO ANSWER for "that monster [Olajuwon]." With Sampson, the Double Trouble/Twin Towers would have WRECKED HAVOC, eliminating anyone who got in their way (DA-N injuries!!!!)...
Is an apple better than an orange? Jordan was a rookue in the 80s, Shaq much later.. Jordan was a super point guard, Shaq, a giant center. So again I ask: is an apple better than an orange? That is your stupid comparison.
Yeah, Shaq had a higher overall score, because his primary function was being a glass cleaner, aside from getting the quick driving finishers. MJ and Shaq's rookie years have even greatness in their respective position. Of course, Shaq never won a title with the Magics, but don't forget he and his crew were the ones who eliminated the Bulls in the '95 playoff...
Jordan played so great people think Phil is some mythical coach. Phil was a nobody before Jordan and the Bulls. Phil lucked into joining contending teams that had the best player in the league
@@bobwhite2 before Jordan arrived in 84-85, Bulls were a provety franchise. By 89 with D.Collins as head coach and no All-Star caliber teammates, the Bulls were already contending before Phil took over. The Bulls were expected to win once an unproven Phil took over because of what Jordan and Doug built.
@@seagull2175 sure ! ... Manute bol did that too ... BIG DEAL .. doesn't change the facts ... He was just big and had zero skills ... JABBAR and CHAMBERLAIN.. HAKEEM HAD GAME ... 3 SECONDS LEFT IN A TIED GAME .. A FREE THROW TO TIE AND ONE TO WIN A NBA CHAMPIONSHIP.... SHAQS AT THE LINE ... GUESS WAT HAPPENS NEXT
And 3 seconds left with Shaq at the free throw line championship on the line guess what happens next? I guess he made em cause he has 4 chips I believe🤣
Shaq was a lot quicker in his young days and had some good handles and footwork for a big man when he was with Orlando, but still doesn’t compare to young MJ in my opinion.
Jordan's rookie year all day. We knew Shaq was going to be dominant because of college. Jordan was nice in college too but no one knew how good he was because Dean Smith holds his players back. This made Jordan's rookie year a total suprise and nightmare for teams for years to come.
Jordan's rookie season hands down beats shaqs 😂
Jordan was stellar, 28 on 51%, 6, 6, and 2.4 steals.....Shaq was a beast....23 on 56%, 14, and 3.5 blocks....and prior to that arguably the previous best Rookie Year, Bird: 21 on 47%, 10, 4.5 and 1.7 steals.....Jordan Rookie year...like he was shot out of a cannon!!
I would take David Robinsons rookie year 24.3 ppg 12rpg 1.7spg 3.9bpg 53fg% and from a losing record to a winning record making the playoffs
Ralph Sampson and Terry Cummings > Bird
My man, dude, I loooove your work. I grew up in the 70s and 80s, so I love that era, when a physical style was the real deal. Today, you can't even touch your opponents.
TRU!
Defense does not exist in the NBA today!
Truth. For Example how many screens and how many times would Steph Curry be knocked down years ago.
Love your content. Great commentary. When Jordan played for the Bulls I never missed a game.
Even Shaq admitted he idolizes MJ and some how feared the Airness when he was a Rookie..till his early years as an Orlando Magic player.
MJ all the way that’s he’s the GOAT!!!!!!
I don't know about it being that close. Rookie Mike guided his team to their first playoffs in 4 years.
There he averaged 29.3 pts, 8.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals, 1 block against reigning back-to-back DPOY guard Sidney Moncrief & his 59 game-winning Bucks. The Bulls even won a game but Milwaukee prevailed 3-1.
Jordan led the league in points his rookie season.
Only in total points, he was 3rd in points per game
@@TheSportsCore I know, but who was the last rookie to lead the league in anything.
When they were young, Shaq and Penny were said to be the strongest duo since Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
When Jordan stepped into the NBA, there was no guard who could handle him man to man. When Shaq stepped into the league there still were Centers who could handle him, like Hakeem for example..
TRUE!!! 💯✔️ Hakeem "the Dream" turn out to be a nightmare dream for incoming centers during the early to mid 90s.
there were no centers who could handle Jordan either, ha.
those are both all time rookie years. ill give the edge to mj but its very close.
Agreed.
Both had great years but none of them were even close to the best rookie seasons of all time
But its not close considering mj was a 190pounder 6'6 sg and Shaq was a 300 pounder 7'1 center who would bully defenses. Mj had to be creative.
Shag is a wonderful person not even close 😂 OMG thanks Sean I need to laugh
Shaq was a beast anyone saying otherwise never watched him play
Yea, he was pretty unstoppable, other than his terrible free throw shooting, and range, but he made his teams winners.
@johnthree1611 ya Shaquille sucked at the line. It's really outside of 10 feet, but that's all he needed, right? lol
@@grv3192 , I think if he were to hit 60-70% of his free throws, he would have maybe been higher on the scoring list, and maybe won more championships.
two absolute BEASTS
Jordan averaged about five more points, O"neal seven more rebounds. Very incredible stats. They both were very hard to guard. One was dominant in one way and the other was dominant in another specific way. It is very close. A slight edge to Jordan regarding their rookie seasons. Shaq is more skilled than most think. He had height too besides weight. He could shoot one hand float shots sometimes in a game. He shot 50-55% from the free-throw line, enough to get him points still. He rebounded well and blocked along with contested shots. His rookie year he averaged 3.5 blocks and 13.9 rebounds. Not to mention he averaged 23.4 points. Jordan at 28.2 ppg was incredible.
Thanks again 👍 amazing content
Honestly.... You can't lose either way. Two monster seasons as well... Also Magic's rookie season
Great video! 👍
Jordan's rookie year is the same as Kobe's MVP year. Only better. Let that sink in.
4:40 he was so wrong,penny came im READY
Players like Shaq always have the asterisk, sometimes big and sometimes mad small, that they were able to do a lotta their damage by just throwing their height and weight around and some of the high efficiency stats are due to dunks and easy lays. Players like Jordan on the other hand, while still incredibly physically gifted, had to have a good amount of skill to do as well imo. The skyhook is more impressive than running people over or just always being bigger than everyone for example.
Shaq had his highest rebounding average his rookie year? Big Man got comfortable in the league real fast, didn’t he
Everyone be sure to hit the thumbs up button and comment and share. This channel needs more viewers as the content is great. Well at least for my demographic in the late 50’s
I like those videos...make a kobe vs jordan best seasons
I grew up watching the best basketball of all time. Without a doubt the best players. I didn’t appreciate it. Glad I didn’t know what the NBA would turn into.
Why didn’t you compare Shaq and Hakeem they played the same position and both went # 1 in the draft.
The hype around Shaq his rookie year is similar to what we are seeing with Wemby. It always happens when someone of a different size like that comes around. He more than lived up to the hype but MJ came in like ten ton hammer and turned the league on its ear and shook it ferociously. Only Bird and Magic coming in the same year and having such an immediate impact is on the same level as MJ. Speaking of the modern ear obviously, because Wilt was a whole different beast too. I just wasn’t there to see it and I stick to what I saw with my own eyes
This shouldn’t be a debate or topic.
Neither one had as good a rookie year as Wilt. How come nobody remembers the Record Book.
Not only Wilt, Shaq and MJ are not even top 5 when it comes to the best rookie seasons.
Add david robinson
Shaq should have been selected to the Dream Team instead of Christian Laettner
And Isiah Thomas instead of John Stockton.
@@terrellbaker1660 well Isiah was a great player but no one wanted to play with him because of what the Bad Boys did. MJ hated him, Larry too, Magic Johnson took issue with the unkind words Isiah said publicly when Magic announced he was HIV positive. And that unfortunately had a bigger impact than his skills. You can't be a bad guy and expect no one to take it into account.
@@andrzejzborowski4920 I agree. But just from a talent standpoint imagine how much more dominant the Dream Team would have been with Shaq and Isiah. It is actually scary to think about.
@@terrellbaker1660 well, yes, but there could have been more conflicts between players, like in 1996, when there was no clear leader. Real people play, not names and statistics. This is a team game. Dream Team I had three leaders. MJ, Magic and Larry. Dream Team III had none.
@@andrzejzborowski4920 While I agree with you on the human aspect of the situation I am speaking on purely a talent standpoint. Think of it like it was NBA2K. Dream Team vs the World. Let the computer play against the computer and watch the results. XBox doesn't give a damn about beef and leadership. I am sure you understand what I am saying.
It took Jordan a couple/few seasons to really impact the game while I'd say that Shaq was a real threat on day 1. Now obviously Jordan's impact was way bigger, but I'd say that Shaq's initial rookie appearance had the league shook.
Shaq was crazy. No one had the legacy or success Mike did but plenty were playing better arguably for a few seasons, mostly big men like Robinson, Hakeem and Shaq. You just can't understate the impact of 12+ board and 3+ blks a night.
No, they weren't. Jordan was the undisputed best player in the league since the late 80s
Bill Russell, Sam Jones and Havlicek had a lot more success than Jordan.
We should compare them to other legendary ROTY players. Bob Pettit , Elgin, Wilt, Oscar, Kareem, Larry, David Robinson, Allen Iverson, LeBron, Durant...
While Lakers Shaq gets the press due to the accolades and titles (2 of which were products of controversial refereeing), Orlando Shaq was the more complete all-around 2-way player having to contend with a bevy of terrific centers (Lakers Shaq had little competition at center with many having retired or past their primes).
They had two different styles because of size and position difference.
I agree: both had very similar stats, all in all. Plus, both had an immediate impact. Yeah, I'd call it a draw.
I'm curious of what you think of Wemby.
I can get behind that shaqs was like close to equal that 5 points per game how many games did that win michael and become a loose for shaq is what i want to know? And so on with the other stats that differ! Cause stats are awesome but the wins get you the chip so who ever contributed to theirs teams success would get the nod for me when its so close so I give it to Michael and to me 4 players had a nice grip on the 90;s ...Jordan...Hakeem...Kobe...Shaq...Now we have more 1 and then done for a year or so then we do repeats! Which 90's was full of repeats that got more mature and better prepared each year!
No sponsor link....
SHAQ LEBRON AND KOBE ALREADY SAID MJ BEST PLAYER EVER .........
Dude.
You can't be serious with that title.
Shaq rookie year was like Hakeem Olajuwon's was, and that wasn't good enough to be remembered because of Jordan rookie year; Shaq wouldn't have won ROY in Jordan rookie year either.....
And Jordan's rookie year is not as good as Wilt's, Oscar's, Kareem's or Bellamy's so what's your point?
No comparison at all half a Shaq‘s career was just pushing people around with his huge bulk.
great question, i gotta go with shaq, the competition he had a rookie was a lot harder than when jordan was a rookie. stats are about even......shaq made Orland better quicker, in a shorter amount of time then jordan and da bulls. Jordan IS the GOAT, Shaq top 5 center.
No, it wasn't. Showtime Lakers, Bird Celtics, Moses, Dr.J, Barkley Sixers, etc. Shaq didn't make Orlando better quicker, he got Penny in 94 and Grant in 95 while already having N.Anderson & D.Scott.
Let's put this into perspective. MJ beat Hakeem Olajuwon for the ROY.
Hakeem Olajuwon then led his Houston Rockets past the Showtime Lakers in the WCF the following season only to lose to arguably the 2nd greatest team ever assembled, the 80s Celtic's in 6 games. This was only Hakeem's sophomore season.
Shaq's Magic beat the recently returned to the NBA and not completely in basketball shape, MJ, and his Bull's in the ECF in Shaq's 3rd season onlt to be swept by Hakeem's Rockets in the finals.
Both incredible feats for both young bigs, however, Hakeem's feat is even more impressive.
MJ BEAT that Hakeem for ROY.
So rookie MJ > rookie Hakeem > rookie Shaq.
Olajuwon (this is not a diminishment of him in any way) had MAJOR help in getting to the NBA Finals against the Celtics---RALPH SAMPSON. In fact, Sampson scored the winning shot to eliminate the SHOWTIME Lakers. If Sampson hadn't incurred those dreadful injuries, Jordan wouldn't have gotten six rings. Why do I say this? Jordan himself said it was a good thing that Houston couldn't get out of the West, because the Bulls had NO ANSWER for "that monster [Olajuwon]." With Sampson, the Double Trouble/Twin Towers would have WRECKED HAVOC, eliminating anyone who got in their way (DA-N injuries!!!!)...
I didnt seeJORDAN rookie season...
Best ROOKIE seasons that i saw were:
90 -ROBINSON
93-SHAQ
97-IVERSON
98-DUNCAN
19-LUKA
Did either of the 2. Have a better rookie season. Than the Legend they call Larry
Goodness they are both great but why two totally different roles. Better with Wilt or Russell so they would compare themselves better.
Lol whut? Heck no,jordan all day rockie season its unmatch he was also an defensive beast.
as much as Jordan is what he is (best ever), Shaq was a force of nature and uncomparable to anyone
Did Shaq made the playoffs in his rookie season?
Tbf, I don’t think Kareem and Big O were saying anything crazy
Correction: "...Hakeem Olajuwon who would also bring the Rockets two _fake_ NBA championships in the 1990's".
Is an apple better than an orange? Jordan was a rookue in the 80s, Shaq much later.. Jordan was a super point guard, Shaq, a giant center. So again I ask: is an apple better than an orange? That is your stupid comparison.
If he had Kobe’s work ethic he’d be the GOAT by a country mile
The Bulls got into the playoffs, right? The Magic did not…so that is the deciding factor, I’d say…🤷🏻♂️
mj had better on this, there’s no guard that can hang in that era, you can put derozan and do the same too in that weak guard era
Magic J beat them both.
Jordan's made the playoffs with that team cocaine bulls who had one of the worst seasons past 3 yrs prior
No if you say that them lebron deserves better
shaq avg 4 shot attempts less tham mj in 1st season
lol no
Yeah, Shaq had a higher overall score, because his primary function was being a glass cleaner, aside from getting the quick driving finishers. MJ and Shaq's rookie years have even greatness in their respective position. Of course, Shaq never won a title with the Magics, but don't forget he and his crew were the ones who eliminated the Bulls in the '95 playoff...
Apples and oranges like saYing who was better Barry bonds or Tommy John. Plus shaq is the most overrated big of all time
LMAO 🤣🤣 Shaq better than JORDAN?.......NEVER! Rookie season, ANY season, NEVER!
did u watch shaq mvp season?
Walt Bellamy, Wilt, Oscar, Kareem and David Robinson all had better rookie seasons than both MJ and Shaq
Jordan scored 2,313 points, had 450 rebounds, 400 assists, 197 steals on 48% FG as a 6'6 guard. None of them can match that
1st ::))
IF SHAQ WAS 5 INCHES SHORTER HE COULDNT HAVE SURVIVED IN THE NBA ... ZERO SKILLS AT THE GAME OF BASKETBALL ... HE WAS JUST BIG ! ...
Shaq was skilled as a big guy.. especially his younger athletic years. As he got older and bigger he just played bully ball.
@@Knight_Raider_ eeeehhh...wrong answer...but thank you for playing ...zero skills from highschool to college to pros... Zero ... Just can dunk...
@@Knight_Raider_ SHAQ WAS NEVER EVER ATHLETIC IN HIS LIFE ... WAT PARALLEL DIMENSION DO U LIVE IN
@@DOC.MANHATTAN i see u have some mental problems lol
@@DOC.MANHATTAN add delusional to your nick name😂
SHAQS FIELD GOAL AVERAGE IS 12% ... CAN SHOOT TO SHAVE HIS LIFE ... NOT A TOP 5 CENTER OF ALL TIME ...
How?
@@mekhimaxbrothers2190 HOW WAT ?
😂🤡
@@DOC.MANHATTAN 12%fg only in your delusional head
@@ziginaigra I AGREE SHAQ WAS JUST A BIG CLOWN
Jordan was helpless against the Lakers and Celtics. Needed Phil to rescue the team.
Nope.
You don't win 2 games in ECF and be "Helpless."
Jordan played so great people think Phil is some mythical coach. Phil was a nobody before Jordan and the Bulls. Phil lucked into joining contending teams that had the best player in the league
@@sideshowbobsaget8876 read your history. You have it backward. Bulls before Phil was a dustbin franchise.
@@bobwhite2 before Jordan arrived in 84-85, Bulls were a provety franchise. By 89 with D.Collins as head coach and no All-Star caliber teammates, the Bulls were already contending before Phil took over. The Bulls were expected to win once an unproven Phil took over because of what Jordan and Doug built.
SHAQ WAS AND IS GARBAGE AT THE GAME OF BASKETBALL ... HE COULD DUNK ...THATS ALL ... NOTHING ELSE ... SPUD WEBB HAD A BETTER GAME THAN WAQ ...
He could rebound and block too
@@seagull2175 sure ! ... Manute bol did that too ... BIG DEAL .. doesn't change the facts ... He was just big and had zero skills ... JABBAR and CHAMBERLAIN.. HAKEEM HAD GAME ... 3 SECONDS LEFT IN A TIED GAME .. A FREE THROW TO TIE AND ONE TO WIN A NBA CHAMPIONSHIP.... SHAQS AT THE LINE ... GUESS WAT HAPPENS NEXT
@@DOC.MANHATTAN 😂can u try harder or this is your max?
Zero skill and how many championships?
And 3 seconds left with Shaq at the free throw line championship on the line guess what happens next? I guess he made em cause he has 4 chips I believe🤣