We FINALLY got RJ on the show. It publishes first thing in the morning so please subscribe if you haven't. And here's today's Islands In The League on Role Players if you haven't watched. ua-cam.com/video/0P0PcjCoTwY/v-deo.html
Hey JJ, i think it would be extremely interesting if you could interview a G-league player, we never get insight of what happens there. Keep up the amazing work the podcast is a dream come true !
@@jarrenhuynh6517 if you're an actual fan of the sport you actually do care. We want to hear about all levels. It's not just about the NBA and it's superstars.
@@ricardoalvarez8415eah a good troll tells the truth, and RJ is so good at it :D . RJ+JJ is just the best basketball media. "Quite a chemistry" as it says in the long intervew, it might not be a "love" chemistry but there is definitely something.
Shaq telling people not to try to contest his dunks or else he'll break their wrists is one of the Craziest lines ive ever heard in sports😭😭. Cause he aint even trying to threaten you. Hes just worried for you well being because it will definetly happen if you try to block his full power dunk. Bro was a force of nature😂😂😂
There’s a story with Wilt Chamberlain, about how he broke someone’s toe with a basketball after dunking it so hard It’s the same kinda vibe for the story with Shaq🤯
RJ so right about this. Teams literally signed extra centers ahead of the playoffs just so they could have more fouls to use against Prime Shaq. it was the only way. Shoutout to my man RASHO NESTEROVIC!!!!
Yeah people really don't understand this. Jokic can't jump over a phone book and shoots 60 percent. Shaq was way heavier, jumped higher, etc. and would literally score every time if you didn't foul him.
Richard Jefferson is really one of the best dudes in this whole nba media circus. Always good stories, clear analysis and actual perceptive humour. Great to see you guys having a good time.
That one got me too lmaoo like the "plan"??? The plan is to pray you can make up for it on other areas of the floor after he drops 40, draws 15 fouls and snags every rebound
In my opinion Shaq has an argument for the greatest peak in NBA history. I think lack of longevity keeps him out of that GOAT talk with Kareem, MJ, Bron, but at his best 3-4 years he was as impactful as anybody who's ever played.
The Thinking Basketball channel has a pretty good video series ranking the best at their best (post ABA merger). They estimated Shaq had the third most dominant peak. Pretty great series to watch.
That Shaq and Kobe duo was a godsend for us Laker fans during those years. Two unstoppable players, two MVP level players by 02, and both were super entertaining when scoring. Just a crazy time for LA and Laker fans.
I think the most underrated aspect to Shaq's game is his finesse. Sure, he physically dominated people, but he had excellent footwork, and for most of his career he ran the floor like someone a foot shorter!
i remember rewinding and pausing frame by frame to see how he would immediately pull off 3 or 4 ball fakes on the post catch, spin and short hook. Finesse indeed, he was incredible.
If Wilt Chamberlain was allowed to play the way Shaq did… he’d have averaged 80 points a game. Stronger, faster and easily a better athlete. Prime Wilt was the greatest ever. If he’d been born in 1975, he’d be the goat.
The 1996 Bulls had four centers on their playoff roster, including a 40-year-old James Edwards, primarily because they needed bodies to throw at Shaq. Their Shaq contingency plan was Longley/Wennington/Edwards/Salley/Rodman. That's nearly half the roster!
Series might have been an All-Time great had Horace Grant not went down. That made it relatively easy to gang up on Shaq. Bulls were not scared of Jon Koncak lol. Orlando had no depth at the 4/5.
To put Shaq’s strength in even more perspective. The arm wrestling champion of the world (who is also 6’4 and jacked) said he was the strongest non professional arm wrestler he’s ever went against. Shaq was in his 40s too
@@kevinlakeman5043 Which was false. You don’t know natural human strength if you believed that damn lie by Wilt. You also probably believed he smashed 100k women too, huh?
Watch videos of 500lb bench pressers, They’re all jacked and huge, for a reason. There’s zero chance someone of Wilts build and especially arm length when you consider long limbs combined with a relatively flat chest are a recipe for low bench, could bench 500lbs.
@@kevinlakeman50431) Bench press strength is largely irrelevant to anything in standing as you don’t have a solid object (a bench) to push off. 2) Look at all the official 500lb bench pressers back in the 60s & 70s and they’re all 6-6’5” tall weighing as much or more than Chamberlain. Ain’t no way in hell that’s spindly arms are benching 500lb lmao
Shaq TOTALLY DOMINATED the entire New Jersey Nets frontline during the finals. One by one. I actually felt the physical pain Shaq was inflicting on the Nets just by watching it on TV.
People who haven't seen Shaq play in his prime cannot understand how dominant he was. I remember seeing three players almost on his shoulders to prevent him dunking. I know analytics say that for today NBA you need to shoot from three abundantly in order to win games. I am curious to see what kind of adjustments teams would be forced to implement in order to prevent Shaq scoring 50pts with 80% from the field forcing 2/3 of your players to leave the court for foul trouble. I'm 51 and I cannot remember anyone even close to this "big fella" in terms of dominance. And on top of that: he was mean!
i tried to explain that to my younger brother. If you didn’t get to watch Shaq in his prime you will never understand how dominant that man really was. It felt like it was unfair at times..
I find it funny because watching Shaq in real time I remember his hop step into the lane hook shot more than him dunking on folks. Those Finals runs weren't just Shaq overpowering guys. They would pack the paint and he could hit that hook shot up almost out to the foul line.
Although I agree shaq can’t really be stopped by anyone. With rotating, fronting the post, fouls, double teams, and fatigue. Shaq couldn’t average 50 on 80% from the field.
@@beanteam2217 shaq was a good passer and all, I think he’d adjust well especially with the spacing in the NBA now, either you would have open threes all game or shaq would be at the free throw line all game
I still remember watching the lakers sixers final and seeing Shaq dunk on 3 people at once and all 3 Sixers centres nearly fouling out just trying to stop him. No one could guard him
I remember Shaq committing offensive fouls on almost every play and the refs ignored it. The one game they called fouls, Shaq was out at halftime. Fine player made great by the refs.
Shaquille O'Neal was so dominant that the game literally wasn't built for a guy like him. We've had guys like Darryl shatter boards here and there, but I PROMISE you if you put Shaq in any era before 1998 he'd break backboards EVERY GAME.
@@skinnymon123 Basketball is not a game of height. The best player is never the tallest player. Basketball is a game of athleticism, skill and intelligence in movement
Shaq had a 10 year run of averaging 26+ and 10+ (usually more) starting in year 2. Rich talked about teams needing 3 bigs just for him, I wonder what the average amount of fouls he drew per game were.
@@y2dereko a typical average of fouls per game for an entire team is around 20. It felt like he got fouled around that amount by himself, let alone his teammates getting fouled as well.
Listening to RJ talk about the hope and joy his era brought to the nets history really felt special. I never recognised that. I'm proud of him too for being a part of that.
That look/eye roll from RJ at the very beginning once JJ mentions Shaq’s name tells you everything you need to know 😂 like he’s saying “boy what? That mf was wild as hell” lol
I love the laugh shortly after when JJ mentions the ‘plan to stop him’. Just letting you know straight away how dominant Shaq was without a word being uttered.
The 1st Finals series i watched was the in 2002. I was 11 years old, even then, i could not believe a person like Shaq could ever exist. He made the Nets team, and his own teammates look so small. I was just in awe back then.
Shaq and Steph are 2 players to me that change the era that they play in. It’s like the whole style of basketball changes once you drop them in any era. Like you drop shaq in this era small ball goes out because now you need bodies of bigs to keep on shaq. Than if you drop Steph in the era of before and you don’t guard him from half court. You’ll get torched and pick him up from half court real quick
I don't think Steph could play in any era. Not because he couldn't have the same impact. But because no one would let him. Steph's game fits this era perfectly because we've seen other skilled players help evolve the style of play. Coaches aren't the show anymore and a guard's main job isn't just to pass it to the post and wait for the big to send it back. No coach would give Steph the chance to do what he does now in the 80s or 90s. But Shaq can show up in 2023 and be a problem, especially offensively. As long as he isn't overweight he'd still have the same dominance. We can't definitely say the same for Steph.
@@peteraudu4554 the thing is when Steph started doing it in this era it wasn’t like Kerr was telling him to go out there and shoot it from that far . Even the players players guarding him would let him try because it sounded crazy. It’s when he actually was making them and Kerr couldn’t say nothing. The same would’ve happen in another era. They can’t tell you nothing if your making them. Steph fits this style perfectly because he started it. Before Steph players weren’t trying to play like this. They were trying to play like Jordan. He made the best player in the world at the time lebron James at the time actually have to go learn a steady 3 point shot.
I love Steph, but no. Not because of what he can do ,but bcoz he wouldn’t have got the chance to prove himself to the team that he can TRULY torch people. You only have to look back at Steph’s early years in the league to know. He was as great a shooter percentage wise. But only get to shoot 5 threes a game. And for GSW at the time they still need to think who to keep between monta and steph. Only because mark, they chose steph. Only after that, steph got to do what he does best, and got himself into the spotlight by doing so. So, not to diminish steph, truly. But it was tough of small guys back in to day if one’s not physically gifted. Steph in the 90s/2000s, might break out, but chance are slim. He’d most likely end up like Steve Kerr. But sharq is different, even in 3pt era, non shooter bugs are still appealing to team.
Shaq was one of the main reasons they changed the illegal defense rules. In the 90's it was illegal to double team anyone without the ball. Shaq got isolation one on one because of this and it was almost impossible. It was a more fun type of basketball in my opinion but the rule change makes sense.
There’s nothing more fun than watching the Lakers back then. Seeing centers around the league struggle against Shaq was amazing and frightening at the same time. There was no stopping him. They all knew what he was gonna do but there was nothing they could do to deter that. And you had Kobe doing his thing. That team was a force. Also their role players were underrated as hell to (Fisher, Fox, Horry, Harper, Grant, etc).
The same guy who got swept by Olajuwon in the finals. He was never the defender Olajuwon and some other centers were. Why was that? Why doesn't he have the blocks record? Where's his DPOY awards? Meanwhile, Ben Wallace had like 4. He's like 6'8".
I am convinced the only people who argue that Prime Shaq was not the most dominant player for a time in the NBA are the people who did not see him play during his prime. You started the game accepting Shaq was going to be Shaq. Everything else was just trying to find ways around that fact.
I was wondering why this clip about Shaq's dominance went on several minutes past that conversation... and then I got to the last line by RJ. Well done.
I guarded Richard Jefferson once and I didn’t believe he was made out of the same thing I was made out of. So to hear him talk about how dominant shaq was says a lot.
“Hack-A-Shaq” was a real thing for a reason. Those Nets teams where better than folks give them credit for. Loved the way the game was played then as well plus many players got better as shooters from the youthful era. Great take and good banter from these two!
The only guy who belongs in that conversation with Shaq for most physically dominant is Wilt. Those two are on a level by themselves in terms of being physically overwhelming
KB 24 was mad because he was in his shadow, because he wanted to be THE GUY, THE 1st option of his team just like his idol MJ, but Shaq was too good that’s why he won 3 FMVP and 1 MVP while playing with Kobe … Kobe was just like Kyrie with Lebron except he was actually good enough to win chips as THE GUY, but make no mistake he was mad because he wasn’t better than Shaq, and he wanted to be the next MJ so bad he even took the number 24 to say im gonna be even better than MJ
RJ is so right about his commentary about starting the Nets franchise. Growing up in NJ those Nets teams that went to finals is what made me fall in love with basketball and the team.
As a Nets fan, thank you Richard Jefferson and crew. I got to go to games during their peak years and they were a lot of fun to watch. It’s true, Shaq was unguardable at that time. I was just listening to Rasheed Wallace say the same thing. It’s amazing how far the Nets were able to go with centers like Todd McCollough and Jason Collins.
I was thereeeee - as a Nets fan - watching in real time what he's annotating - Shaq was a 111 on a 2k scale to what 99 is to inside skillset today. It was an unstoppable force that looked like a video game in real time - he was not a man against boys- he was a God against middle schoolers seriously. And this was a nets team that revolutionized the fast break! What the, Nets, did for Steve Nashes Phoenix, suns, and Golden state, today- is arguably what stephen curry did for smalls and the three ball - and Shaq pulled a Jordan on Barkley to a team that arguably changed the game the same way curry has. I cried in Puerto Rico while on vacation watching that nets game during that sweep - Shaq really was superman then and there was no kryptonite - literally the only thing that stopped him was his own conditioning and hunger - I think after the fourth somewhere something clicked that he was the best big man of all time - with nothing nor none to prove himself against - (its like he started competing against kobe instead of his potential) until the Dwight Howard's of the world - arrived - which is why he's so hard on howard, and why he probably felt he didn't have to win anymore - as the NBA became a small man's game. It was wild to live and grow through, though, the epitome of you had to be there. I would say it was like seeing michael jackson spin- like yeah, you can watch replays and reruns: though to see it in real time - living and breathing - knowing that godly talent was out there syncronistically - growing, enduring, and improving - watching the legacy in real time like a story book unfolding- not knowing how it was going to end - was wild, foreal. I'll say this, though, if Jason Kidd had the three point shot that he had in Dallas - they would have done better - that was the piece that was missing - his evolution from jersey to Dallas as a three point shooter is like a bobby Bushey switch up - it was almost characature-like in the way it came out of nowhere and yet was everything he ever needed lol.
When it comes to the most dominant basketball player relative to his competition, it has to be wilt chamberlain. Keyword is relative to his competition. He completely dominated his competition. She was like shot. He was bigger, faster and stronger than everyone else but the difference was that as an athlete he was way more versatile and had more durability
What's special about Shaq in his prime was not just pure power. He had that S tier power that above everyone else on another level. But he combined that with incredible speed, agility, hand size. When you have a guy that has that power but can move quickly, there is no guarding him, just no. And combined with Kobe? unfair stuff.
Shaq was the most physically dominant I've ever seen. Not the greatest, but definitely was the most dominant. Crazy that there was literally nothing you could do to stop him.
This was the best show you've ever done. I only want you to invite guests that will give and take like RJ from now on! Hilarious yet also, 100% real talk.
Teams literally wanted Kobe to shoot because Shaq was unstoppable. Just watch the Pistons series. Kobe lost that series because he didn't give Shaq the ball. That's incredible
Kobe was irritated that Shaq was a “playoff player” as in he didn’t give it his all during the regular season. Seeing Shaq show up for 2-3 months of the season and win 3 consecutive FMVPs must have rubbed Kobe wrong Which I suppose is why he didn’t pass him the ball so Kobe could get the FMVP
Shaq was UNSTOPPABLE! PERIOD! I have never seen a player like Shaq. I was a big fan of AI back then, but Shaq was hard not to like and respect. Oh man, i miss these days...
It's not fair to compare Giannis to Shaq. I'm a big Giannis fan but Shaq was far more skilled in terms of footwork and post moves. We see the highlights of him dunking on everyone but he also had a nice touch 5 to 10 feet away from the rim.
Prime Shaq on the lakers was listed at 370lbs. I think CBS wrote an article on his Lakers days weights. He details the range. Basically 100lbs bigger than the next biggest guy.
@@backtothe90s68 he still played well. That series is when Timmy took Shaq on instead of D Robinson. Remember Timmy was the 4 and he still played Shaq straight up
Shaq did change parts of the NBA game, no doubt. Especially the backboards and supports, he broke 3. Wilt Chamberlain forced the NBA to expand the lane, strengthen backboards, ban dunking, and that 100 point game is so... tantalizing. Thanks to RJ for mentioning both ( starting 2:18 ). ☺
I saw that video too. Wilt actually made Shaq look small next to him and seemed strong still at an old age. Also Wilt looked like he shook Shaqs hand tryna say “I woulda had you locked down, if I could still play” 😂
I was born in 94, but I still remember that 2003 three peat sweep against New Jersey! Shaq was such a monster that one of the Nets jumped on his back when a got the ball in the lane one time lol
He didnt see Wilt... So hes not right.. I got all the stories about Wilt from my dad who saw Wilt play through the 60's through to the end of his career. The only ones who should be commenting on players being dominant are ones WHO ACTUALLY SAW people prior to SHAQ . or does Wilt doesn't count because he played against "inferior" competition?? Its like the bron argument for the GOAT most people who say that are bronsexuals who think everything prior to 2004 should be erased from the record books because every era prior to his was full of unathletic plumbers
Wilt was stronger, faster and also had more finesse and touch around the basket, shooting more bank shots and finger rolls in one season than Shaq did in his whole career! He not only averaged 25 rebounds in a season, he pulled 55 in one game, against BILL RUSSELL…
We FINALLY got RJ on the show. It publishes first thing in the morning so please subscribe if you haven't. And here's today's Islands In The League on Role Players if you haven't watched. ua-cam.com/video/0P0PcjCoTwY/v-deo.html
I could listen to you and RJ talk basketball all day
Teams do try to construct "walls" to contain Giannis.....J/S
If he jad shaq lol thats make me laugh until I go to sleep tonight TY
@@sapien2291 bro what???
Fake news. Hakeem owned every big man.
Hey JJ, i think it would be extremely interesting if you could interview a G-league player, we never get insight of what happens there. Keep up the amazing work the podcast is a dream come true !
Cool idea but nobdy cares about g league lol
@@jarrenhuynh6517 there are players that have moved up from the g league though, that experience would be cool to hear
@@sangun123 maybe that guy Andre Ingram that did that stint w the Lakers for like 2-3 games after 10 years in the g league?
@@jarrenhuynh6517 if you're an actual fan of the sport you actually do care. We want to hear about all levels. It's not just about the NBA and it's superstars.
Get Mac McClung. Best of all worlds. He was a beast in the G league, got a call up, and had an all time experience at all star weekend.
Richard dropping the casual “JJ if he played defense” bar and the cut to JJ straightfaced 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Lmfao. Rj a troll
he's telling the truth
JJ just took it 🤣 had no choice
@@ricardoalvarez8415eah a good troll tells the truth, and RJ is so good at it :D . RJ+JJ is just the best basketball media. "Quite a chemistry" as it says in the long intervew, it might not be a "love" chemistry but there is definitely something.
JJ's battle rap defense is Hollow da Don level...
"He was our JJ Redick, but he played defense." This podcast is unreal. Love it.
RJ insulted 3 people in 10 seconds flat
JJ: Yeah.. wait what?
JJ didn't even want to argue 🤣🤣🤣
Jefferson is an elite troll.
Such a great dig lol
Shaq telling people not to try to contest his dunks or else he'll break their wrists is one of the Craziest lines ive ever heard in sports😭😭. Cause he aint even trying to threaten you. Hes just worried for you well being because it will definetly happen if you try to block his full power dunk. Bro was a force of nature😂😂😂
Wish it happened 😂
There’s a story with Wilt Chamberlain, about how he broke someone’s toe with a basketball after dunking it so hard
It’s the same kinda vibe for the story with Shaq🤯
@@Spider-Complexion now that sounds just fake 😂
@TheAdSaid3000 He supposedly dislocated Gus Johnson's shoulder blocking a shot.
@@88mphDrBrown that one im lowkey surprised doesn't happen more often with how heavy some block attempts are
RJ so right about this. Teams literally signed extra centers ahead of the playoffs just so they could have more fouls to use against Prime Shaq. it was the only way. Shoutout to my man RASHO NESTEROVIC!!!!
Nesterovic was a really good big tbh, great fundamentals
Yeah people really don't understand this. Jokic can't jump over a phone book and shoots 60 percent. Shaq was way heavier, jumped higher, etc. and would literally score every time if you didn't foul him.
@@user-dc7um4pr3f different kind of games Jokic can shoot and Shaq didn't need that since he could just bully anyone in the paint
There were so many usless bigs in the league because of Shaq
Shaq is the most physically dominant but only if we pretend that Wilt Chamberlain never existed.
Richard Jefferson is really one of the best dudes in this whole nba media circus. Always good stories, clear analysis and actual perceptive humour. Great to see you guys having a good time.
^^^all of this
Until him and Reddick talked about the kings Sabbonis Halleburton trade at the start of the year 😂😂
Until u don’t agree with him , ask learner on ther dream team
Yeah...He adds a great 'tounge in cheek' perspective.
The only thing I don't like about RJ is that he is Malika's slave. She got him whipped.
When JJ said "...game planning for SHAQ" and Richard chuckled, absolutely sent me lol 🤣☠
Jefferson keeps being a smart and comedic genius guy
That one got me too lmaoo like the "plan"??? The plan is to pray you can make up for it on other areas of the floor after he drops 40, draws 15 fouls and snags every rebound
Richard Jefferson has Deadpool energy for real, I always hear it whenever & wherever he talks.
I Actually Just Laughed Reading This 😂
Ryan Reynolds & Richard Jefferson would be a killer fast-talking combo of wits and one-liners
LMAO. That's one of the most accurate things I've heard.
Nah fr! He came to my bar and man he was hella funny with the roasts and comedic energy that kept the convo going
Bro wtf does that even mean 😂😂😂
In my opinion Shaq has an argument for the greatest peak in NBA history. I think lack of longevity keeps him out of that GOAT talk with Kareem, MJ, Bron, but at his best 3-4 years he was as impactful as anybody who's ever played.
The Thinking Basketball channel has a pretty good video series ranking the best at their best (post ABA merger). They estimated Shaq had the third most dominant peak. Pretty great series to watch.
Nah, not top 5 on either end of the floor at his best.
@@benjaminan1183 At his best he was the best scorer in the league and warped opposing defenses maybe more than anybody who's played other than Steph.
@@mrmacross I've watched it's a great series.
@@benjaminan1183 show me your a casual without saying it.
That Shaq and Kobe duo was a godsend for us Laker fans during those years.
Two unstoppable players, two MVP level players by 02, and both were super entertaining when scoring. Just a crazy time for LA and Laker fans.
They were not unstoppable but they for sure entertaining .
Kings should have beat y'all in 2002.
@@allstarbury cope..
And went on to be top 3 basketball memes of all time. I've seen those Kobe and Shaq highlights over that medicare rap beat at least 200 times now lol
glory days. We probably have to wait 10 years to have another dynasty like that
I think the most underrated aspect to Shaq's game is his finesse. Sure, he physically dominated people, but he had excellent footwork, and for most of his career he ran the floor like someone a foot shorter!
Had a very nice hook shot with some range as well. Wasn’t all dunks and layups.
i remember rewinding and pausing frame by frame to see how he would immediately pull off 3 or 4 ball fakes on the post catch, spin and short hook. Finesse indeed, he was incredible.
Thanks I love u bud!
Yea he had some amazing footwork like elite footwork.
If Wilt Chamberlain was allowed to play the way Shaq did… he’d have averaged 80 points a game. Stronger, faster and easily a better athlete. Prime Wilt was the greatest ever. If he’d been born in 1975, he’d be the goat.
9:37 “He was our jj reddick but he played defense” 💀😂 Richard Jefferson is too much man
The 1996 Bulls had four centers on their playoff roster, including a 40-year-old James Edwards, primarily because they needed bodies to throw at Shaq. Their Shaq contingency plan was Longley/Wennington/Edwards/Salley/Rodman. That's nearly half the roster!
I forgot they had James Edward's lol Didn't they have Parish to that year?
@@Jackfargo91 They got Parish for the following season.
Rodman shutdown in fourth quarter of playoff game.
Series might have been an All-Time great had Horace Grant not went down. That made it relatively easy to gang up on Shaq. Bulls were not scared of Jon Koncak lol. Orlando had no depth at the 4/5.
Rodman locked up shaq to 0 points
To put Shaq’s strength in even more perspective. The arm wrestling champion of the world (who is also 6’4 and jacked) said he was the strongest non professional arm wrestler he’s ever went against. Shaq was in his 40s too
Yet he couldn't match Chamberlain's heaviest weight lift reps.
@@kevinlakeman5043 Which was false. You don’t know natural human strength if you believed that damn lie by Wilt. You also probably believed he smashed 100k women too, huh?
Watch videos of 500lb bench pressers, They’re all jacked and huge, for a reason.
There’s zero chance someone of Wilts build and especially arm length when you consider long limbs combined with a relatively flat chest are a recipe for low bench, could bench 500lbs.
@@kevinlakeman50431) Bench press strength is largely irrelevant to anything in standing as you don’t have a solid object (a bench) to push off. 2) Look at all the official 500lb bench pressers back in the 60s & 70s and they’re all 6-6’5” tall weighing as much or more than Chamberlain. Ain’t no way in hell that’s spindly arms are benching 500lb lmao
THESE TWO NEED A TELEVISION SHOW!!!!
NBA Today is a good show, just not as analytical
Ive been saying this
They already are on tv, the one that needs to be in a tv show is Hibachi
@@mattybuu4910 he said they need a show. not just be on tv
Approved ✅
Shaq TOTALLY DOMINATED the entire New Jersey Nets frontline during the finals. One by one. I actually felt the physical pain Shaq was inflicting on the Nets just by watching it on TV.
When he dunked over 3 grown men 😭
People who haven't seen Shaq play in his prime cannot understand how dominant he was. I remember seeing three players almost on his shoulders to prevent him dunking.
I know analytics say that for today NBA you need to shoot from three abundantly in order to win games. I am curious to see what kind of adjustments teams would be forced to implement in order to prevent Shaq scoring 50pts with 80% from the field forcing 2/3 of your players to leave the court for foul trouble.
I'm 51 and I cannot remember anyone even close to this "big fella" in terms of dominance. And on top of that: he was mean!
i tried to explain that to my younger brother. If you didn’t get to watch Shaq in his prime you will never understand how dominant that man really was. It felt like it was unfair at times..
I find it funny because watching Shaq in real time I remember his hop step into the lane hook shot more than him dunking on folks. Those Finals runs weren't just Shaq overpowering guys. They would pack the paint and he could hit that hook shot up almost out to the foul line.
Although I agree shaq can’t really be stopped by anyone. With rotating, fronting the post, fouls, double teams, and fatigue. Shaq couldn’t average 50 on 80% from the field.
@@beanteam2217 shaq was a good passer and all, I think he’d adjust well especially with the spacing in the NBA now, either you would have open threes all game or shaq would be at the free throw line all game
All Shaq would have to do is improve his passing, not his shooting
I still remember watching the lakers sixers final and seeing Shaq dunk on 3 people at once and all 3 Sixers centres nearly fouling out just trying to stop him. No one could guard him
I remember Shaq committing offensive fouls on almost every play and the refs ignored it. The one game they called fouls, Shaq was out at halftime. Fine player made great by the refs.
@@DrJohnnyJobviously you never saw Shaq play if you really think this
Love RJ, dude is so funny and sounds humble always!!
Shaq was just a monster I still remembered that he dunked on the whole nets team in the finals
Shaquille O'Neal was so dominant that the game literally wasn't built for a guy like him. We've had guys like Darryl shatter boards here and there, but I PROMISE you if you put Shaq in any era before 1998 he'd break backboards EVERY GAME.
You mean Darryl Dawkins. Brian Dawkins played safety for the Eagles lmfao
He played in 1992
Basketball is a game of height, it was literally built for him
@@skinnymon123 Basketball is not a game of height. The best player is never the tallest player. Basketball is a game of athleticism, skill and intelligence in movement
@@filipe10messiyou then why are all the players the top .001% of height in the world. Where are all the 5’8 players
Shaq had a 10 year run of averaging 26+ and 10+ (usually more) starting in year 2. Rich talked about teams needing 3 bigs just for him, I wonder what the average amount of fouls he drew per game were.
when people gave up and started just fouling him in like 99-04 it was a lot... a lot a lot...
@@y2dereko a typical average of fouls per game for an entire team is around 20. It felt like he got fouled around that amount by himself, let alone his teammates getting fouled as well.
As great as Shaq was, he was underrated. Thanks RJ/JJ for this topic
He was never underrated.
@@billyyank5807 there are more people that held kobe in higher regard...and Shaq was the best player with 3 finals mvp. Google him
@@billyyank5807 he is now
Never underrated
Shaq is a HOFer even as an underachiever
Good lord if Shaq was more serious about basketball he’d probably have 6-7 championships
Listening to RJ talk about the hope and joy his era brought to the nets history really felt special. I never recognised that. I'm proud of him too for being a part of that.
“Watch out little fella…” 😂😂😂
RJ is such a chill dude man honestly. You can tell nba players are comfortable around him
They got RJ on the pod 😂😂 Already know this finna be a good one
When he ends the clip with “hope you laughed”, I definitely died when RJ said Shaq was their missing piece 😂😂😂
That look/eye roll from RJ at the very beginning once JJ mentions Shaq’s name tells you everything you need to know 😂 like he’s saying “boy what? That mf was wild as hell” lol
I love the laugh shortly after when JJ mentions the ‘plan to stop him’. Just letting you know straight away how dominant Shaq was without a word being uttered.
@@TheInterfactor The "Ya, ok dood." laugh hahahah
The 1st Finals series i watched was the in 2002. I was 11 years old, even then, i could not believe a person like Shaq could ever exist. He made the Nets team, and his own teammates look so small. I was just in awe back then.
Shaq and Steph are 2 players to me that change the era that they play in. It’s like the whole style of basketball changes once you drop them in any era. Like you drop shaq in this era small ball goes out because now you need bodies of bigs to keep on shaq. Than if you drop Steph in the era of before and you don’t guard him from half court. You’ll get torched and pick him up from half court real quick
I don't think Steph could play in any era. Not because he couldn't have the same impact. But because no one would let him. Steph's game fits this era perfectly because we've seen other skilled players help evolve the style of play. Coaches aren't the show anymore and a guard's main job isn't just to pass it to the post and wait for the big to send it back. No coach would give Steph the chance to do what he does now in the 80s or 90s. But Shaq can show up in 2023 and be a problem, especially offensively. As long as he isn't overweight he'd still have the same dominance. We can't definitely say the same for Steph.
@@peteraudu4554 the thing is when Steph started doing it in this era it wasn’t like Kerr was telling him to go out there and shoot it from that far . Even the players players guarding him would let him try because it sounded crazy. It’s when he actually was making them and Kerr couldn’t say nothing. The same would’ve happen in another era. They can’t tell you nothing if your making them. Steph fits this style perfectly because he started it. Before Steph players weren’t trying to play like this. They were trying to play like Jordan. He made the best player in the world at the time lebron James at the time actually have to go learn a steady 3 point shot.
Dirk as well
I love Steph, but no. Not because of what he can do ,but bcoz he wouldn’t have got the chance to prove himself to the team that he can TRULY torch people.
You only have to look back at Steph’s early years in the league to know.
He was as great a shooter percentage wise. But only get to shoot 5 threes a game.
And for GSW at the time they still need to think who to keep between monta and steph. Only because mark, they chose steph.
Only after that, steph got to do what he does best, and got himself into the spotlight by doing so.
So, not to diminish steph, truly. But it was tough of small guys back in to day if one’s not physically gifted. Steph in the 90s/2000s, might break out, but chance are slim. He’d most likely end up like Steve Kerr.
But sharq is different, even in 3pt era, non shooter bugs are still appealing to team.
ayo what if shaq and steph played together 😂😂😂
Shaq was one of the main reasons they changed the illegal defense rules. In the 90's it was illegal to double team anyone without the ball. Shaq got isolation one on one because of this and it was almost impossible. It was a more fun type of basketball in my opinion but the rule change makes sense.
JJ and RJ. My two favourite ESPN analysts
There’s nothing more fun than watching the Lakers back then. Seeing centers around the league struggle against Shaq was amazing and frightening at the same time. There was no stopping him. They all knew what he was gonna do but there was nothing they could do to deter that. And you had Kobe doing his thing. That team was a force. Also their role players were underrated as hell to (Fisher, Fox, Horry, Harper, Grant, etc).
...except hackashaq lolol
SHAQ's footwork was out of this world.
if Shaq kept his peak longer he would also be in the GOAT conversation. those years he was so unreal. Miles ahead with any big in the NBA.
That's why he and Kobe couldn't get along. Complete opposites in terms of work ethic. Shaq would have gotten along with Iverson probably
The same guy who got swept by Olajuwon in the finals. He was never the defender Olajuwon and some other centers were. Why was that? Why doesn't he have the blocks record? Where's his DPOY awards? Meanwhile, Ben Wallace had like 4. He's like 6'8".
How is he not in the goat category??? Ion give af if he only played 4 years he won 4 rings
I've never been so hyped for a guest as I am right now.
1:27 JJ corrects
5:02 RJ winks
9:39 JJ redick but played defense
10:33 Missing piece for championship
Read my mind, great duo
JJ and RJ need to combine forces and have their own podcast.
This is great chemistry, can’t wait to listen to the full episode
I am convinced the only people who argue that Prime Shaq was not the most dominant player for a time in the NBA are the people who did not see him play during his prime. You started the game accepting Shaq was going to be Shaq. Everything else was just trying to find ways around that fact.
I was wondering why this clip about Shaq's dominance went on several minutes past that conversation... and then I got to the last line by RJ. Well done.
I guarded Richard Jefferson once and I didn’t believe he was made out of the same thing I was made out of. So to hear him talk about how dominant shaq was says a lot.
I have never seen guys look helpless like they did trying to guard Shaq. As a fan of a team playing against him it just felt unfair.
I remember a sportscaster at the time saying “who is the mvp this year besides Shaq”. Shaq dominated like no other.
RJ is always entertaining af
“Hack-A-Shaq” was a real thing for a reason. Those Nets teams where better than folks give them credit for. Loved the way the game was played then as well plus many players got better as shooters from the youthful era. Great take and good banter from these two!
“Jason collins god he couldn’t do anything”😂😂😂😂😂
I was crying when I heard that lmao
He wasn't wrong his stats are atrocious he's lucky to have been in that era of basketball. Can't even finish with a 50% fg as a big man
@@PeterParkerwon I agree 36% as a 7 footer is just absolutely horrific
@@newkemba3578 36%?! Dawg😂
These two are awesome together.
I can listen to these two even without watching basketball
The only guy who belongs in that conversation with Shaq for most physically dominant is Wilt. Those two are on a level by themselves in terms of being physically overwhelming
imagine shaq taking his physical shape seriously. that's why kb 24 was mad
KB 24 was mad because he was in his shadow, because he wanted to be THE GUY, THE 1st option of his team just like his idol MJ, but Shaq was too good that’s why he won 3 FMVP and 1 MVP while playing with Kobe … Kobe was just like Kyrie with Lebron except he was actually good enough to win chips as THE GUY, but make no mistake he was mad because he wasn’t better than Shaq, and he wanted to be the next MJ so bad he even took the number 24 to say im gonna be even better than MJ
@@Anthonydu01630 boy these kobe fans swear they was equals, no THEY WERE NOT
@@Anthonydu01630 you writing a diary? lmao the only year Shaq was better was 2000 the rest Kobe was better lmao
@@KobaniacMinded they were not equal cuz kobe was always better
@@ajmamora6332 the better player should be finals mvp then right?
Finally!!!!! Thank you Richard Jefferson. You played with and against so much greatness in recent history….. this man is speaking the truth.
You two have really good chemistry
RJ is so right about his commentary about starting the Nets franchise. Growing up in NJ those Nets teams that went to finals is what made me fall in love with basketball and the team.
Agreed
JJ when he got roasted: “…Yeah” 😂
As a Nets fan, thank you Richard Jefferson and crew. I got to go to games during their peak years and they were a lot of fun to watch. It’s true, Shaq was unguardable at that time. I was just listening to Rasheed Wallace say the same thing. It’s amazing how far the Nets were able to go with centers like Todd McCollough and Jason Collins.
I was thereeeee - as a Nets fan - watching in real time what he's annotating - Shaq was a 111 on a 2k scale to what 99 is to inside skillset today. It was an unstoppable force that looked like a video game in real time - he was not a man against boys- he was a God against middle schoolers seriously.
And this was a nets team that revolutionized the fast break! What the, Nets, did for Steve Nashes Phoenix, suns, and Golden state, today- is arguably what stephen curry did for smalls and the three ball - and Shaq pulled a Jordan on Barkley to a team that arguably changed the game the same way curry has.
I cried in Puerto Rico while on vacation watching that nets game during that sweep - Shaq really was superman then and there was no kryptonite - literally the only thing that stopped him was his own conditioning and hunger - I think after the fourth somewhere something clicked that he was the best big man of all time - with nothing nor none to prove himself against - (its like he started competing against kobe instead of his potential) until the Dwight Howard's of the world - arrived - which is why he's so hard on howard, and why he probably felt he didn't have to win anymore - as the NBA became a small man's game. It was wild to live and grow through, though, the epitome of you had to be there. I would say it was like seeing michael jackson spin- like yeah, you can watch replays and reruns: though to see it in real time - living and breathing - knowing that godly talent was out there syncronistically - growing, enduring, and improving - watching the legacy in real time like a story book unfolding- not knowing how it was going to end - was wild, foreal.
I'll say this, though, if Jason Kidd had the three point shot that he had in Dallas - they would have done better - that was the piece that was missing - his evolution from jersey to Dallas as a three point shooter is like a bobby Bushey switch up - it was almost characature-like in the way it came out of nowhere and yet was everything he ever needed lol.
I could listen RJ talking about basketball all day every day. Good views and fun af
9:35 might be the funniest moment on this show ever ngl
When it comes to the most dominant basketball player relative to his competition, it has to be wilt chamberlain. Keyword is relative to his competition. He completely dominated his competition. She was like shot. He was bigger, faster and stronger than everyone else but the difference was that as an athlete he was way more versatile and had more durability
I agree. Just imagine Wilt with the resources we have today. He probably would be even more dominant
This has to b one of my most fav sport talk episodes ever!!! 😂😂😂 RJ and JJ - big fan of ur game and even more so now!! Appreciate all u do!
Shaq’s footwork and skill in the low post is underrated
Shaq got some guys contracts cause teams needed extra fouls. That’s wild
Lmao damn 😂😂😂
What's special about Shaq in his prime was not just pure power. He had that S tier power that above everyone else on another level. But he combined that with incredible speed, agility, hand size. When you have a guy that has that power but can move quickly, there is no guarding him, just no.
And combined with Kobe? unfair stuff.
lmaooo RJ immediately laughed when JJ said "gameplan for shaq" 😭😭😭
Facts man. He was the most unstoppable player I’ve ever seen.
Shaq was the most physically dominant I've ever seen. Not the greatest, but definitely was the most dominant. Crazy that there was literally nothing you could do to stop him.
wilt chamberlain
@@mortalgar against pime Shaq?? Lmao..
@@giangiangyes
This was the best show you've ever done. I only want you to invite guests that will give and take like RJ from now on! Hilarious yet also, 100% real talk.
RJ's ability to do that isn't a skill that everyone has. It can be worked on, but some folks simply have more charisma than others.
Imagine if Shaq truly worked hard.. he’d be regarded as one of the GOATs
He is one of the goats.
@@Donjuanantoine More like top 3 of all-time. That's what he means.
I'd take Prime Shaq over anyone I feel like he would fucked over Wilt Gervin Kareem only one close is Hakeem
Explain how Shaw is not the goat???
Shaq was unstoppable during his peak ,never seen a player sp dominant in my life
Teams literally wanted Kobe to shoot because Shaq was unstoppable. Just watch the Pistons series. Kobe lost that series because he didn't give Shaq the ball. That's incredible
Kobe was irritated that Shaq was a “playoff player” as in he didn’t give it his all during the regular season. Seeing Shaq show up for 2-3 months of the season and win 3 consecutive FMVPs must have rubbed Kobe wrong
Which I suppose is why he didn’t pass him the ball so Kobe could get the FMVP
The BEST way to ask the realest question ever JJ. Love your work
“If we had Shaq that probably woulda helped”😂😂😂
I like RJ when he was in the Nets. That was the first team I really followed. You're perfect in nba media RJ.
Our jj redick, but he play defense 🤣
Great questions and response... Those Nets, Spurs, Lakers, Kings, and Sixers teams were so much fun to watch!
He was just too much. And as Kobe once said, he was a really really mean nasty guy. As sweet and funny as old Shaq is now, he was frightening
Love the gentle digging of RJ. "He was our JJ, except he played defense".
RJ taking more shots that '06 Kobe in this 😂
Shaq was UNSTOPPABLE! PERIOD! I have never seen a player like Shaq. I was a big fan of AI back then, but Shaq was hard not to like and respect. Oh man, i miss these days...
It's not fair to compare Giannis to Shaq. I'm a big Giannis fan but Shaq was far more skilled in terms of footwork and post moves. We see the highlights of him dunking on everyone but he also had a nice touch 5 to 10 feet away from the rim.
Not really. Giannis has a great footwork too he just ain't 300 pounds
Prime Shaq on the lakers was listed at 370lbs. I think CBS wrote an article on his Lakers days weights. He details the range. Basically 100lbs bigger than the next biggest guy.
This is why Timmy is the GOAT, he always held his own against Shaq.
No he didn't always. Remember 2001 payoffs? 2004 also.
@@backtothe90s68 in 2004 TD had to worry about Malone and Shaq, if it was only Shaq , TD can take him.
@@backtothe90s68 he still played well. That series is when Timmy took Shaq on instead of D Robinson. Remember Timmy was the 4 and he still played Shaq straight up
Shaq did change parts of the NBA game, no doubt. Especially the backboards and supports, he broke 3. Wilt Chamberlain forced the NBA to expand the lane, strengthen backboards, ban dunking, and that 100 point game is so... tantalizing. Thanks to RJ for mentioning both ( starting 2:18 ).
☺
Shaq was the most dominant center outside of wilt there's a video of shaq shaking wilts hand and shaq looking like he was shocked how big wilt was
I saw that video too. Wilt actually made Shaq look small next to him and seemed strong still at an old age.
Also Wilt looked like he shook Shaqs hand tryna say “I woulda had you locked down, if I could still play” 😂
I saw that video ! Wilt looked bigger than Shaq. Can you imagine Shaq & Wilt in their prime playing against one another? #epic
I apreciate how freely you guys are doing your pod ❤
Shaq was ridiculous
I was born in 94, but I still remember that 2003 three peat sweep against New Jersey! Shaq was such a monster that one of the Nets jumped on his back when a got the ball in the lane one time lol
Oooh this is gonna be funny af. RJ is hilarious
I hope they show this clip to Shaq. He needs to receive some love ❤
Agree
He didnt see Wilt... So hes not right.. I got all the stories about Wilt from my dad who saw Wilt play through the 60's through to the end of his career. The only ones who should be commenting on players being dominant are ones WHO ACTUALLY SAW people prior to SHAQ . or does Wilt doesn't count because he played against "inferior" competition?? Its like the bron argument for the GOAT most people who say that are bronsexuals who think everything prior to 2004 should be erased from the record books because every era prior to his was full of unathletic plumbers
Richard Jefferson is a such a positive guy
I agree with richard’s shaq vs giannis argument overall, but to be fair, theyd probably have to change rosters if giannis had kobe playing with him
Fans over 40 remember how dominant SHAQ was. Once the '90s Jordan era ended, Shaq was THE MAN for at least a good 5-8 years.
Wilt was stronger, faster and also had more finesse and touch around the basket, shooting more bank shots and finger rolls in one season than Shaq did in his whole career! He not only averaged 25 rebounds in a season, he pulled 55 in one game, against BILL RUSSELL…
i lived through the shaq era….there was and there will never be anyone as dominant as that man
Man, look at how jacked Shaq was. That man was some kind of man of a man.
Shaq had like 12 Monster years not 3. But his 3 year peak was the most dominant ever
Bruh he won 4 rings not 3 and he was a monster when he played with penny too
@@TimothyGray-o3d 3 year peak was 3 straight MVPS Sherlock
i wish all these talkshow can add some old gameplay while you guys talking about it.. it will be fire.