You don't at first truly understand how massive Shaq is, but once you do, you start to comprehend how basically unfair it was he could move the way he did. The man was a cheat code.
What truly put his size into perspective for me is when he faced off against Big Show in WWE. All the NBA players are tall, but it's hard to truly grasp his size advantage on the court. Check out that video.
To be fair to Shaq, I partially agree with his stance on training. He should have been in the gym, but not like the way Kobe Bryant was; Bryant overdid it, in the sense that the body needs time to recuperate; the body can't recuperate off of 2-3 hours sleep, which is what Kobe Bryant was doing, and I don't understand why his trainers let him do that. It reminds me of the observation of martial artist Kilindi Iyi, who said that the martial artists who excessively trained had to face their bodies breaking down prematurely.
One guy who spent time in the gym and it showed was Ben Wallace. If Shaq had Ben Wallace-type gym obsession at least one player on the opposing team would have had to go to hospital every time Shaq played.
Shaq is basically a good guy. He just happens to be a 7 foot, 300 pound multi millionaire good guy. He does so much stuff you never hear about to help people. That is why he and Barkley are such good friends
He gets his shitty times pulled from the web. He's an ego maniac and terribly insecure. He throws tantrums on TNT and in public Or even better, watch him on HOT ONES. His interview - bc he couldn't admit that he couldn't take the spices - was just god awful.
Orlando Shaq would toss Wembeyama around like a toy and he could keep up with him all over the court and so could Robinson, Hakeem etc. People forget these guys all were also on the skinny side in the beginning but Nba changed in the 90s to heavy defensive strategies with clogging the paint and reduced points compared to 80s which have same amount of scoring as modern Nba. SO they beefed up to be paint dominant. I always put on asterix on say Jokic's numbers, dont get me wrong he would be an allstar in any era the man has skills but he isnt dominating the paint and boards in 90s and 80s as he is now because there is so much more big men back then. Basically every team had big center and powerforward all up to 2005 almost. BTW yeah Shaq dunked but look at those clips when Dirk was talking, he had great post up footowork and baby hook. This was his bread and butter.
Shaq was one of those players you knew could do anything he wanted. Could be a GOAT, with unreachable stats even in today’s game, but you never look back and feel regrets because he was a full experience.
I met shaq in ohare airport...like 10 years ago, the TV does him no justice, hes a HUGE human, and a super down to earth person. Its really insane how well he moved during his career, especially in his youth...i mean...he aint no Hakeem, but no one scoffs at 2nd best
This is why Olajuwon is underrated. He is the only one who could not only guard prime Shaq but score at will on him. Now their primes only crossed for about 3 years but in those three years Shaq was dominating everyone but him.
@@JuwanTaylor-jz5zr when Shaq was getting that three peat for my Lakers he was unstoppable. I don't know any center would have chance at all against that Shaq.
@@chrisrobinson8339 shaq won finals mvp off facing trash 🗑 centers in 2000 and 2002 finals. Elite centers like Ben wallace and Hakeem destroyed Shaq in the finals
The more I think about it, I think Shaq lived to his potential. 4x champ, 3x Finals MVP. I think if he was intense like Jordan, his body would've broke down faster. We've seen unicorn big guys who cant get on to the court cuz their bodies break constantly down. Shaq had to pace himself, there has never been a prototype like him. Shaq got blamed for what guys call "load management" today.
No you completely wrong bro. The reason shaq and kobe fell out was because kobe realized at 6’6 he was becoming just as dominant as shaq at 7’1. Because shaq work ethic was poor, diet was poor, didnt care to work on his game because of his talent. He left a lot on the court bro. Just half his miss freethrows would have him top 3 in scoring
Shaq's the only reason why I could not appreciate Kobe's game, he was so dominant, it felt like everyone else is playing basketball but the big fellow is playing rugby and just manhandling everyone. The Lakers had such an advantage on both ends with him that Kobe had a free hand. So many years I supported those Kings teams, Trailblazers and Allen Iverson, because I hated Lakers because of Shaq and his style of play but it never happened because Shaq was just a monster. But I love him and what he is doing in life now, he is a very funny and kind person. I really wish I could meet him one day along with Jordan and Iverson as they are my favourite players of all time
U do know Kobe averages was damn near the same as Shaq when they played together and without Shaq Kobe went back to back without Shaq? With no disrespect to Shaq. Shaq and Wilt was truly amazing
@@edwardchristian9529 Yeah but in the 09 and 10 Lakers Kobe also had a stacked team. That team could play starters who were 7', 6"11 and 6'10. And I always point out to people that Pau Gasol should have won the 2010 Finals MVP. (Not reg season, not playoffs. Finals). Statistical dead heat but Kobe literally shot them out of some of those games while Pau was a freakin rock, the center of the Triangle offense, and super clutch.
@David-iv6je it's tough to argue with people who just dont like Kobe. Not taking anything away from Pau or that 09 team. Let's be honest without Kobe that team wasn't even playoff bound in the west and yes Pau got busy but Kobe was always the focal point on defense
@@edwardchristian9529 I don't have a problem with Kobe per se, though I think he's a little overrated. Still a top 15 all time, maybe top 10. But I'd take Duncan in front of him. Duncan was an automatic 50 win team. Kobe was not. But in the 2010 (not 09) FINal, Gasol is the guy who put them over the top. Not getting them to the playoffs, not in the earlier rounds of the playoffs. But in the Finals Gasol was the linchpin and the clutchest.
@David-iv6je the fact that u think Kobe is overrated is crazy. No one in any sport has maximized their talent in any sport the way Kobe did, I never said Pau didn't get busy in the 09 playoffs I just stated that Pau wasn't the focal point and when he was the focal point which was before he came to LA. He couldn't get it done whereas with Kobe it never matter who was on the court he was always able to get it done
Crazy thing about this is if you ever played basketball at any level and got caught in a mismatch with a bigger skilled man. You can feel what these guys are explaining to you. × 50 Shaq dominance is amazing.
" The Diesel", " Superman" Grant Hill said he brought fun, personality to his position and to the game. He can rap, make you laugh, sense of humor, bully you offense and defense.
Hardest players to guard in NBA History- 1960-1969: Wilt Chamberlain 1970-1982: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 1983-1986: Larry Bird 1987-1997: Michael Jordan 1998-2003: Shaquille O’Neal 2004-2008: Kobe Bryant 2009-2014: LeBron James 2015-2019: Steph Curry 2020-2023: Nikola Jokic
I am happy that Shaq is being mentioned. Shaq was a beast there was nobody that could guard him. His size and his ability for a big man was great to watch. Even at this time in basketball if he was in his prime he would dominate.
When I was a freshman in high school we went to the Spurs vs Lakers game at the Alamodome. This was when Shaq was a PROBLEM. When I saw him in person after he got done shooting around. He came to talk to us for a min. He was the biggest human I’d ever seen in my life at that moment. He had 28/11 that night.
The best part about watching Shaq was seeing him bumble/rumble down the court, occasionally leading the fast break and everyone deciding to just get out of the way 😂😅
Shaq singlehandedly transformed an entire generation of centers into power towards out of fear alone. I will never er consider Tim Duncan the best power forward ever because he ain't nothing but another scared center.
The worst thing I could say about Shaq is that, had he kept himself in better physical condition, he would have been the greatest player in the history of the NBA.
I rank Shaq as one of the type 5 big men of all time; possibly top 3. And to say that he underachieved is completely insane......but it may very well be true. He could have been number one by a country mile.
1 and 2 for sure. Number 3 is debatable. Couldn't shoot outside of 12 feet. Couldn't shoot stationary free throws. Not a great passer. Didn't move much without the ball. Based on size/strength, it could easily be argued that his rebound numbers were subpar and certainly his block numbers weren't great.
Shaq is a true unicorn. He is a real life Goliath. It's funny that ppl don't have him as a top 5 player but when ppl build their most unbeatable 5 all time he's always on everyone team.
People often try to compare Shaq with Wilt. Their erras required very different style of basketball. Shaq's style was to bully his way to the basket for the easy dunk. This wouldn't work in Wilt's era as that would be called an offensive foul. Wilt was scoring crazy numbers NOT using his size advantage to bully his way to the basket. Had he played in the 90's or 00's, his highlights might look more like Shaq, and his numbers even more videogame like than they were.
Not sure if anybody in Wilt’s era would have been strong enough to keep Shaq from getting EXACTLY where we wanted to be on the block, so I think he’d be okay back then
How good was Shaq ? Simple. Think of all the big men that were around when he played, every one you like from the 90's and 2000's. They were either as big as him, but extremely slow lumps that you parked in the paint for 25min a game. Or they were as agile, but in that case, half his size. He was as massive as he was quick and dynamic. An impossible phenomenon.
Shaq was a diesel locomotive. There were very few guys who could stop him or at least play with him and give him a hard time. Shaq made a 6'11" 240 lb. Chris Dudley look like an average size dude. You know what dunk I'm talking about, and Dudley's not a small guy by any stretch. But that's just how dominant Shaq was. I love these retrospectives you do on the old school players, and I know a guy you should have a look at. His name is Darrell Griffith. He played college ball at the University of Louisville and helped lead them to their first NCAA Championship in 1980. 6'3" but he could get all the way up. His nickname was Dr. Dunkenstein. The Utah Jazz drafted him in 1980, where he played under Frank Layden and toward the end of his career, Jerry Sloan. He was there for 10 seasons, and helped re-build the Jazz into a program that was a regular contender. He might have been overshadowed by Malone and Stockton, but the Jazz always had some solid players to go along with that duo. But definitely worth looking at Darrell Griffith.
One day there should be a gentlemens' debate on whether who is more humble: David Robinson or Grant Hill? I might even add Luc Longley to that. The special they did on him after The Last Dance documentary was amazing.
I think he went full dieselmuscle/mass mode to some injury and... laziness ;) If he had plan to stay fit he would have to compete with more technique centers. Like his only nemezis was Hakeem Olajuwon, the only one that could surprise him all the time. When he went full immovable object mode he wanted to have always the same, solid, looped possibility to dominate by force. I also always regreted that option, loved Orlando Shaq the most and he was not only dominant but exciting. Since Phoenix it was just boring to be honest. I imagine living in Wilt era when he was old cat but mastered Kareem Abdul-Jabbars sky hook to block it twice one game. He was an example of a big man that put athleticism on the top, to stay sharp and compete with 15 years younger dudes like he was still 19 :)
Somebody that did a really good job guarding Shaq was Charles Barkley. I think Hakeem was out or something when the Rockets were playing the lakers and 2 of those games Barkley was guarding Shaq most of the game. He had enough of low center of gravity to keep Shaq honest. Shaq got some pints, but he did not go off.
Wilt didn't have the grace but he was 10x the athlete who was amazing often times despite his size instead of because of it like Shaq. Unfortunately both had/have some real personality flaws lol
You need to do more than being physical with Shaq, which is almost impossible. Rodman was the greatest because he got into Shaq's head and threw him off his game.
People often criticize Shaq for not being able to take free throws. Everytime I hear that I was thinking, How many championships and awards do they want one man to have. If shaq was 70% from the line, Hack a Shaq would have to be abandoned. No defensive strategy could work. Every possession would be a bucket. All the other teammates would just need to be shooters and practice making threes be cause they would not need to go to the rim. Defense would either have to just let him score or send him to the line and give up 2 most times. and by the time you came in the ball would go back out for three.
The man was a beast... I still remember how he made both David Robinson and Tim Duncan look like little boys when he was in his prime in LA. They double-teamed him and it just didn't matter. He dunked the ball in their faces. If only he could shoot a free throw, he would have been a serious GOAT contender.
Shaq was the reason why I truly appreciate Dennis Rodman and Charles Barkley's defense. Both were among the all-time great defenders but still underrated until you watched them guard Shaq.
Seeing him live for the first time was mind blowing when he came out for 'warm-ups'. Although, there is one man who could guard him and his name is Dennis Rodman, js.
Shaq noticed his advantage and chose to bulk up more than slim down. He wasn't this massive in his first 2 seasons when he could still dribble and run full court.
Alright, Sean, here is a request for 2024: Do videos for your Top 25 players of the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s (00-10). With any additional content you post, you could do a weekly countdown with 2-3 players per week. Being an old-school ball fanatic, this would be an old-school basketball 101 course for all the other fans who didn't get to witness what we have. In my opinion, that would be awesome to do and would make a great channel THAT much more entertaining and insightful 😎🦾
Names that were able to give Shaq some trouble: - Hakeem the dream - Ben Wallace? - Patrick Ewing? - maybe Rodman or Duncan? It’s not a big list. And even than, these guys are more likely to slow Shaq down instead of full on shut him down
Kobe said it best, if Shaq had at least something close to his work ethic, Shaq would have been the greatest player of all time. Over MJ. And this is coming from Kobe.
I've often thought Shaq would have made a great TE in the NFL. He could bully most Def linemen and have moves to get around most corners or scare them enough to move
Shaquille O'Neal averaged 28.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 4 games in the 1995 NBA Finals while Hakeem averaged 32.8 points, 11.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 4 games in the 1995 NBA Finals. Missed the good old days.
I have the utmost respect for Shaq but I have to object with the fact that nobody could guard him. Rodman successfully guarded him on multiple occasions. Especially in the 96 ECF Game 1
Shaq is proof and evidence that the game keeps evolving. Wemby is the new version. We gonna have 8 for players moving like Curry before long lol long live the NBA
You don't at first truly understand how massive Shaq is, but once you do, you start to comprehend how basically unfair it was he could move the way he did. The man was a cheat code.
Not only how massive but also how athletic he was in his prime. He could run the floor in Orlando. It was INSANE!
He was so quick for his size it was always a mismatch. Strong guys couldnt handle his spins
nobody can guard shag. he was big, strong, and more mobile than center before nor since.
What truly put his size into perspective for me is when he faced off against Big Show in WWE. All the NBA players are tall, but it's hard to truly grasp his size advantage on the court. Check out that video.
Besides The Dream we will leave The Worm out of this lol
Just look at old games, it s incredible, speed,footwork, touch with hook 4m away from the basket... and of course his incredible power.
Could you imagine a truly focused, always in the gym Shaq?? My goodness.
To be fair to Shaq, I partially agree with his stance on training. He should have been in the gym, but not like the way Kobe Bryant was; Bryant overdid it, in the sense that the body needs time to recuperate; the body can't recuperate off of 2-3 hours sleep, which is what Kobe Bryant was doing, and I don't understand why his trainers let him do that. It reminds me of the observation of martial artist Kilindi Iyi, who said that the martial artists who excessively trained had to face their bodies breaking down prematurely.
One guy who spent time in the gym and it showed was Ben Wallace. If Shaq had Ben Wallace-type gym obsession at least one player on the opposing team would have had to go to hospital every time Shaq played.
Kobe said a focused Shaq would have been the greatest player in history.
Shaq is basically a good guy. He just happens to be a 7 foot, 300 pound multi millionaire good guy. He does so much stuff you never hear about to help people. That is why he and Barkley are such good friends
He gets his shitty times pulled from the web.
He's an ego maniac and terribly insecure.
He throws tantrums on TNT and in public
Or even better, watch him on HOT ONES. His interview - bc he couldn't admit that he couldn't take the spices - was just god awful.
Shaq’s acts of random charity are well known. The man just shows up places and takes care of people. Food, clothes, shoes, electronics, everything.
Orlando Shaq would toss Wembeyama around like a toy and he could keep up with him all over the court and so could Robinson, Hakeem etc. People forget these guys all were also on the skinny side in the beginning but Nba changed in the 90s to heavy defensive strategies with clogging the paint and reduced points compared to 80s which have same amount of scoring as modern Nba. SO they beefed up to be paint dominant. I always put on asterix on say Jokic's numbers, dont get me wrong he would be an allstar in any era the man has skills but he isnt dominating the paint and boards in 90s and 80s as he is now because there is so much more big men back then. Basically every team had big center and powerforward all up to 2005 almost. BTW yeah Shaq dunked but look at those clips when Dirk was talking, he had great post up footowork and baby hook. This was his bread and butter.
I miss that era of the golden age of big men.
Shaquille was a big strong beast that nobody could guard and slow down. The other centers and power forwards weren't as big and strong as Shaquille.
A lot of people were big, but they can't move like shaq at that size
@@darrel7589 yeah but no way he could guard Shaq of the magic days, he's to agile and strong for rodman to handle during that time
@@darrel7589only center could guard and go at Shaq was Hakeem
Shaq was one of those players you knew could do anything he wanted. Could be a GOAT, with unreachable stats even in today’s game, but you never look back and feel regrets because he was a full experience.
I met shaq in ohare airport...like 10 years ago, the TV does him no justice, hes a HUGE human, and a super down to earth person. Its really insane how well he moved during his career, especially in his youth...i mean...he aint no Hakeem, but no one scoffs at 2nd best
The best center ever and one of the kindest people on the planet. Love the big guy
This is why Olajuwon is underrated. He is the only one who could not only guard prime Shaq but score at will on him. Now their primes only crossed for about 3 years but in those three years Shaq was dominating everyone but him.
Under appreciated too!!
Anyway, Olajuwon and Shaq have been my favorites since like forever.
Yao Ming.
@@jonlanier_
Under appreciated as well. When he had his debut against Shaq……!!!!!
Truth. I wanted to make sure somebody gave The Dream proper recognition.
@@shannonhukill637
I’m always bout The Dream!! My GOAT.
BTM Sean, I hope you had a great thanksgiving! Also love your videos! ❤❤❤❤
Greatest center of all-time.
Shaq isn't a top 3 center all time stop it
@@JuwanTaylor-jz5zr when Shaq was getting that three peat for my Lakers he was unstoppable. I don't know any center would have chance at all against that Shaq.
@@chrisrobinson8339 shaq won finals mvp off facing trash 🗑 centers in 2000 and 2002 finals. Elite centers like Ben wallace and Hakeem destroyed Shaq in the finals
Lol that's flat crazy talk. No center changed the game like Shaq did. Literally rules were made because of him.
@@chrisbussard5407 change of rule because he's overweight isn't a + lmao
The more I think about it, I think Shaq lived to his potential. 4x champ, 3x Finals MVP. I think if he was intense like Jordan, his body would've broke down faster. We've seen unicorn big guys who cant get on to the court cuz their bodies break constantly down. Shaq had to pace himself, there has never been a prototype like him. Shaq got blamed for what guys call "load management" today.
No you completely wrong bro. The reason shaq and kobe fell out was because kobe realized at 6’6 he was becoming just as dominant as shaq at 7’1. Because shaq work ethic was poor, diet was poor, didnt care to work on his game because of his talent. He left a lot on the court bro. Just half his miss freethrows would have him top 3 in scoring
@@emmawatzonfree throw misses from him wasn't anything to do with lack of practice shack broke bones before and could not shoot
@@joshuahohman9115 shaq* looks like stephen curry when hes not in a game…..lack of practice and concentration…
@@joshuahohman9115cap
Dennis Rodman is Superman's kryptonite 😏
Well said! 👍
Rodman forever the exception
The dream,Rodman,Ben,Duncan
Shaq's the only reason why I could not appreciate Kobe's game, he was so dominant, it felt like everyone else is playing basketball but the big fellow is playing rugby and just manhandling everyone. The Lakers had such an advantage on both ends with him that Kobe had a free hand. So many years I supported those Kings teams, Trailblazers and Allen Iverson, because I hated Lakers because of Shaq and his style of play but it never happened because Shaq was just a monster. But I love him and what he is doing in life now, he is a very funny and kind person. I really wish I could meet him one day along with Jordan and Iverson as they are my favourite players of all time
U do know Kobe averages was damn near the same as Shaq when they played together and without Shaq Kobe went back to back without Shaq? With no disrespect to Shaq. Shaq and Wilt was truly amazing
@@edwardchristian9529 Yeah but in the 09 and 10 Lakers Kobe also had a stacked team. That team could play starters who were 7', 6"11 and 6'10. And I always point out to people that Pau Gasol should have won the 2010 Finals MVP. (Not reg season, not playoffs. Finals). Statistical dead heat but Kobe literally shot them out of some of those games while Pau was a freakin rock, the center of the Triangle offense, and super clutch.
@David-iv6je it's tough to argue with people who just dont like Kobe. Not taking anything away from Pau or that 09 team. Let's be honest without Kobe that team wasn't even playoff bound in the west and yes Pau got busy but Kobe was always the focal point on defense
@@edwardchristian9529 I don't have a problem with Kobe per se, though I think he's a little overrated. Still a top 15 all time, maybe top 10. But I'd take Duncan in front of him. Duncan was an automatic 50 win team. Kobe was not.
But in the 2010 (not 09) FINal, Gasol is the guy who put them over the top. Not getting them to the playoffs, not in the earlier rounds of the playoffs. But in the Finals Gasol was the linchpin and the clutchest.
@David-iv6je the fact that u think Kobe is overrated is crazy. No one in any sport has maximized their talent in any sport the way Kobe did, I never said Pau didn't get busy in the 09 playoffs I just stated that Pau wasn't the focal point and when he was the focal point which was before he came to LA. He couldn't get it done whereas with Kobe it never matter who was on the court he was always able to get it done
Grant Hill sounds like Shaq describing himself 😂
the game was dynamic back in the 90s, now its kids play with moms calling fouls left and right
game was lazy back in 90s lots of people falling losing balls and so on
My fave is when Eddie Curry amd Nate was on Knuckleheads.
Curry said something like felt being on a car crash/car accident.
I just remember Mutombo tryna guard Shaq for the Chip.🏀💥👋🏿💪🏿😑
Crazy thing about this is if you ever played basketball at any level and got caught in a mismatch with a bigger skilled man. You can feel what these guys are explaining to you. × 50 Shaq dominance is amazing.
Shaq was the Michael Jordan of all Shaqs
Most dominant big man ever! No comparison, not even close.
" The Diesel", " Superman" Grant Hill said he brought fun, personality to his position and to the game. He can rap, make you laugh, sense of humor, bully you offense and defense.
Jokic is better and technically more dominant
Great video! Thanks much
Hardest players to guard in NBA History-
1960-1969: Wilt Chamberlain
1970-1982: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
1983-1986: Larry Bird
1987-1997: Michael Jordan
1998-2003: Shaquille O’Neal
2004-2008: Kobe Bryant
2009-2014: LeBron James
2015-2019: Steph Curry
2020-2023: Nikola Jokic
Most DOMINANT player/force they’ll ever be in sports 💪🏽
I am happy that Shaq is being mentioned. Shaq was a beast there was nobody that could guard him. His size and his ability for a big man was great to watch. Even at this time in basketball if he was in his prime he would dominate.
To see this it just makes me admire even more Dennis "the werm" Rodman. The only guy that consistently played good defense against the Diesel
Absolutely! 👍
💯Agree👍
How you spell worm wrong smh
0:49
Sean David,
What's the time playing in the background, and the artist, too. Thanks!
I appreciate your content keep it up ❤
And how many fouls against Diesel wasn't called,no matter how much his body was advantage it was also disadvantage in some hand...
Shaq is strong.. that's why when i saw the clip with wilt and shaq i literally shocked
When I was a freshman in high school we went to the Spurs vs Lakers game at the Alamodome. This was when Shaq was a PROBLEM. When I saw him in person after he got done shooting around. He came to talk to us for a min. He was the biggest human I’d ever seen in my life at that moment. He had 28/11 that night.
Shaq is one of the best scorers ever and he got it all in the paint. Talk about dominance.
The best part about watching Shaq was seeing him bumble/rumble down the court, occasionally leading the fast break and everyone deciding to just get out of the way 😂😅
Yeah, not quite a jog; definitely not a sprint. Rumble is perfect, literally a train bumbling down the court.
@@briguy459 yes indeed lol
Shaq singlehandedly transformed an entire generation of centers into power towards out of fear alone. I will never er consider Tim Duncan the best power forward ever because he ain't nothing but another scared center.
Only way to stop him is to put him on the free-throw line.
Or….🪦
Bro was a beast on the court and something special off of it.
The worst thing I could say about Shaq is that, had he kept himself in better physical condition, he would have been the greatest player in the history of the NBA.
Simply you can't describe the Shaq game by words ,
Shaq is also kind and generous
Shaq was a monster simply a monster
i agree.... as DOMINANT as shaq was,, he had the potential to be EVEN BETTER........... good god picture that..
How insane is it that shaq did one full windmill 😮
I rank Shaq as one of the type 5 big men of all time; possibly top 3. And to say that he underachieved is completely insane......but it may very well be true. He could have been number one by a country mile.
He probably had the most dominant 3-4 year period any centre has ever had.
Too big , too strong, and skillful
1 and 2 for sure. Number 3 is debatable.
Couldn't shoot outside of 12 feet. Couldn't shoot stationary free throws. Not a great passer. Didn't move much without the ball.
Based on size/strength, it could easily be argued that his rebound numbers were subpar and certainly his block numbers weren't great.
Shaq is a true unicorn. He is a real life Goliath. It's funny that ppl don't have him as a top 5 player but when ppl build their most unbeatable 5 all time he's always on everyone team.
Out of the hundreds that were in the league, only three dudes could guard Shaq with ease. Hakeem, Rodman and Ben Wallace.
People often try to compare Shaq with Wilt. Their erras required very different style of basketball. Shaq's style was to bully his way to the basket for the easy dunk. This wouldn't work in Wilt's era as that would be called an offensive foul. Wilt was scoring crazy numbers NOT using his size advantage to bully his way to the basket. Had he played in the 90's or 00's, his highlights might look more like Shaq, and his numbers even more videogame like than they were.
"He wasn't using his size to bully?"... how do you think wilt scored 100 pts in a game? 🤔
you're joking right😂
Thank you...I think Wilt was more skilled than Shaq.
Not sure if anybody in Wilt’s era would have been strong enough to keep Shaq from getting EXACTLY where we wanted to be on the block, so I think he’d be okay back then
probably the dumbest comment in this thread. WIlt couldnt even dominate bill russell little ass
How good was Shaq ? Simple. Think of all the big men that were around when he played, every one you like from the 90's and 2000's. They were either as big as him, but extremely slow lumps that you parked in the paint for 25min a game. Or they were as agile, but in that case, half his size. He was as massive as he was quick and dynamic. An impossible phenomenon.
Who was a liabilitu on the free throw line when it counted. He didn't practice enough.
Shaq was a diesel locomotive. There were very few guys who could stop him or at least play with him and give him a hard time. Shaq made a 6'11" 240 lb. Chris Dudley look like an average size dude. You know what dunk I'm talking about, and Dudley's not a small guy by any stretch. But that's just how dominant Shaq was.
I love these retrospectives you do on the old school players, and I know a guy you should have a look at. His name is Darrell Griffith. He played college ball at the University of Louisville and helped lead them to their first NCAA Championship in 1980. 6'3" but he could get all the way up. His nickname was Dr. Dunkenstein. The Utah Jazz drafted him in 1980, where he played under Frank Layden and toward the end of his career, Jerry Sloan. He was there for 10 seasons, and helped re-build the Jazz into a program that was a regular contender. He might have been overshadowed by Malone and Stockton, but the Jazz always had some solid players to go along with that duo. But definitely worth looking at Darrell Griffith.
I ❤ Shaq.
Channing Frye explained guarding Shaq better than anyone else ever could, "Imagine trying to foul a tree that moves like a cat"
Being included in the 50 greatest players in the center position speaks of how dominating he was..
The worm shut him down.
One day there should be a gentlemens' debate on whether who is more humble: David Robinson or Grant Hill? I might even add Luc Longley to that. The special they did on him after The Last Dance documentary was amazing.
I think he went full dieselmuscle/mass mode to some injury and... laziness ;) If he had plan to stay fit he would have to compete with more technique centers. Like his only nemezis was Hakeem Olajuwon, the only one that could surprise him all the time. When he went full immovable object mode he wanted to have always the same, solid, looped possibility to dominate by force. I also always regreted that option, loved Orlando Shaq the most and he was not only dominant but exciting. Since Phoenix it was just boring to be honest. I imagine living in Wilt era when he was old cat but mastered Kareem Abdul-Jabbars sky hook to block it twice one game. He was an example of a big man that put athleticism on the top, to stay sharp and compete with 15 years younger dudes like he was still 19 :)
Shaquille O'Neal: A Once In A Lifetime Athlete.
Wow, when an ad pops up while the host was talking about an ad in video. Sometimes watching adtube is getting tiring.
Somebody that did a really good job guarding Shaq was Charles Barkley. I think Hakeem was out or something when the Rockets were playing the lakers and 2 of those games Barkley was guarding Shaq most of the game. He had enough of low center of gravity to keep Shaq honest. Shaq got some pints, but he did not go off.
Ben Wallace too
@@chrisisslick Ben Wallace couldn't guard the Orlando magic Shaq because the Lakers Shaq is just too slow
Shaquille O'Neal averaged 26.8 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 12 games versus Dennis Rodman in his career.
You could have nothing to do at all with basketball and still knew who Shaq was.
His dunk on dudley is my most favorite take in NBA history.
Wilt didn't have the grace but he was 10x the athlete who was amazing often times despite his size instead of because of it like Shaq. Unfortunately both had/have some real personality flaws lol
You need to do more than being physical with Shaq, which is almost impossible. Rodman was the greatest because he got into Shaq's head and threw him off his game.
Shaq was beast
People often criticize Shaq for not being able to take free throws. Everytime I hear that I was thinking, How many championships and awards do they want one man to have. If shaq was 70% from the line, Hack a Shaq would have to be abandoned. No defensive strategy could work. Every possession would be a bucket. All the other teammates would just need to be shooters and practice making threes be cause they would not need to go to the rim. Defense would either have to just let him score or send him to the line and give up 2 most times. and by the time you came in the ball would go back out for three.
The man was a beast...
I still remember how he made both David Robinson and Tim Duncan look like little boys when he was in his prime in LA. They double-teamed him and it just didn't matter. He dunked the ball in their faces. If only he could shoot a free throw, he would have been a serious GOAT contender.
Alonzo always tried tho, respect
Young Shaq was a beast. Quick, agile, a solid handle, and had good hops. Weakness was freethrows. Freethrows +10-15% he woudl've been GOAT
Bill russ and jokic better than shaq
Shaq is a once in a lifetime kind of player.
Jokic better than shaq
Ppl forget about Shaq’s baby hook. It was elite anywhere inside 10-12ft 💯
Shaq was the reason why I truly appreciate Dennis Rodman and Charles Barkley's defense. Both were among the all-time great defenders but still underrated until you watched them guard Shaq.
Rodman absolutely but Barkley? I've never heard that before. He never made an All-Defense team. He was mediocre on defense
Seeing him live for the first time was mind blowing when he came out for 'warm-ups'. Although, there is one man who could guard him and his name is Dennis Rodman, js.
I wish shaq would last a couple more years. He woulda been the goat for sure. Charles wouldnt be able to say shit😂
Jokic and Hakeem better than shaq
Shaq noticed his advantage and chose to bulk up more than slim down. He wasn't this massive in his first 2 seasons when he could still dribble and run full court.
My all-time starting lineup is Steph Curry, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, LeBron,James and Shaquille O’Neal💪🏾
Rodman could and did. But Shaq was a beast. One of a kind. Plus he is freaking hilarious.
Shaq averaged 26 and 13 against Rodman
shaq avg 26.8ppg vs rodman lol
rodman guarded the slow Lakers Shaq but no way he could guard the very agile Orlando magic Shaq
Alright, Sean, here is a request for 2024: Do videos for your Top 25 players of the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s (00-10). With any additional content you post, you could do a weekly countdown with 2-3 players per week. Being an old-school ball fanatic, this would be an old-school basketball 101 course for all the other fans who didn't get to witness what we have. In my opinion, that would be awesome to do and would make a great channel THAT much more entertaining and insightful 😎🦾
Names that were able to give Shaq some trouble:
- Hakeem the dream
- Ben Wallace?
- Patrick Ewing?
- maybe Rodman or Duncan?
It’s not a big list. And even than, these guys are more likely to slow Shaq down instead of full on shut him down
5:49 that tee, needs to be reissued
Kobe said it best, if Shaq had at least something close to his work ethic, Shaq would have been the greatest player of all time. Over MJ. And this is coming from Kobe.
Shaq was the Goat and MDE
I was waiting for some Kobe’s insights about him
I've often thought Shaq would have made a great TE in the NFL. He could bully most Def linemen and have moves to get around most corners or scare them enough to move
Even non-basketball fans would watch Shaq play and ask, "How is this fair?" His dominance was just that obvious.
Imagine a starting 5 of Jordan, Zeke, Shaq, Sir Charles and Rodman...😮
You wouldnt mess around with them...😂
Dennis Rodman laughed when he read this title
Shaquille O'Neal averaged 26.8 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 12 games versus Dennis Rodman in his career.
I think the Black Mumba said that if Shaq trained as hard as he did. The Lakers and Shaq would have had 10 rings. That is a scary thought.
Hakeem made Shaq look lost.
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
That's right!!!!
Shaquille O'Neal averaged 28.0 points, 12.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 4 games in the 1995 NBA Finals while Hakeem averaged 32.8 points, 11.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 4 games in the 1995 NBA Finals. Missed the good old days.
@@bemylady1238Hakeem better than shaq
@@JuwanTaylor-jz5zr yeah but just a little bit plus Shaq is not yet his prime while that was the prime of Hakeem
Next time your sons coach tells him it doesn’t matter how big you are, show him this video
The NBA allowed O'Neal to punish people whereas Jabbar and Chamberlain, specifically Wilt, were not allowed to play this way.
I have the utmost respect for Shaq but I have to object with the fact that nobody could guard him. Rodman successfully guarded him on multiple occasions. Especially in the 96 ECF Game 1
Shaq is proof and evidence that the game keeps evolving. Wemby is the new version. We gonna have 8 for players moving like Curry before long lol long live the NBA
Rodman could gaurd Shaq.
Put the pipe down
Did dude just say "he could've been the best big ever"...... he is.
SHAQ was a monster Hakeem the dream Olajuwan, Mr. David robinson and Dennis the Worm Rodman held their own
It's krazy how people dnt remember how dominant shaq was. Just imagine zion at 7'1 in the paint
Man, I just keep thinking “damn that bottom tooth almost fits perfect thru that gap” 😳
"Shaq is too big! His knees won't last 2 years! You can HAVE all of his rookie cards I get!"
Me 1992
But KAREEM deserves his own video he gets no love on the channel , and he was every bit as effective as MJ for any team