Shaq On His Place In The GOAT Conversation

In this clip, Shaquille O'Neal talks about the GOAT conversation with Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and more and why he doesn't want to even be considered in the conversation.
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[@xtremevp12]

"Barkley with a ring..... Oh my gosh you couldn't tell him nothin". Too funny haha.

[@WriteWhatISee]

A ring and MVP during prime Mike era? Nah Charles would be out here big stepping 🤣

[@falcon1378]

@@WriteWhatISee Charles prolly be the owner of the suns by now

[@WriteWhatISee]

@@falcon1378 He’d be what Magic is for the Lakers organization off one chip alone. He damn near would cherish that title over Shaq 4 just because it would’ve been on Mike head.

[@tennisCharlzz]

But boy did he deserve that ring!

[@jamesrawlins735]

@@tennisCharlzz No doubt - so many greats that could never get it - Karl Malone is another - Dominique - Patrick Ewing

[@daveclark8337]

Shaq had the greatest potential of all time. If he'd stayed focused and in shape he would've been in the GOAT conversation.

[@3lastname390]

Or the GOAT, that's how high his potential is.

[@DeepfriedBaby]

He said he didn't do the underhand free throws because of ego and he regrets it.

[@jblaze600]

If he just stayed in shape and stuck with Kobe. Those two would be the greatest duo which they might be and have 6 rings. They three-peated with the legendary Spurs and Sacramento Kings in the West.

[@RampageYI]

Don't know what you talking about but that's usually the case.

[@Rileylmao_]

yall need to stop disrespecting Shaq's longevity, he was drafted in 1992 and was 2nd in MVP voting in 2005

[@busam1578]

He won 4 chips and 3 of them he was the best player. He is in the Top 10 all time.

[@nazeefchowdhury2443]

all 4 of them bro. wade aint winning that without shaq

[@adammohammed4959]

@@nazeefchowdhury2443true but wade was the best player

[@_.Jon._]

@@nazeefchowdhury2443 Uhh you might want to go back and look at that 05-06 Miami team. He was not the best player on that team by any metric.

[@MushMunkey]

@@nazeefchowdhury2443 my nigga he got benched in that finals Lmao. The first few years he was in miami he was going off though

[@snupedummy]

He had someone else who was a top 5 player in the league at the time for all his chips

[@gabriel.hongkong]

Shaq's love for Barkley is undeniable. All those "how many rings ya got?" were just for entertainment. There are bus riders and bus drivers. Barkley was a monster in his day, and despite not having a ring, he is a motherfucking bus driver. He didn't get selected for the 92 Dream Team for no reason.

[@davetrachtenberg6855]

Barkley was to Jordan (2nd, sometimes 3rd best players in the league for a huge stretch) same as Durant was to LeBron, not in terms of rings, but quality of player for his era. Barkley is his peak Sixers years and Phoenix was just incredible.

[@fp3977]

carried the dream team

[@billbones92]

More importantly, he was the best player on the 92 dream team. Look it up.

[@trashboat4020]

Peak Shaq from 2000, 2001 and 2002 is one of the goats. Peak for peak he is up there

[@marlonmejias8797]

Can't be a goat if you can't make free throws. Same with Lebron. If team can't depend on you to ice the game on free throw line you are not the goat. NBA had to make up rules to counter hack a s Shaq in last 2 minutes of the game.

[@nicksavov5027]

@@marlonmejias8797 No rules were changed in response to hack-a-shaq. Zero. Nada. Zilch.

[@reignmans]

can't be. his peak he was just almost unstoppable offensively. he didnt lead the league in rebounds or blocks, he wasnt really a defensive presence. it was all about bully ball.

[@jaystacks5249]

@@marlonmejias8797 Bron shoots over 75% for a career. Tell us you hate without telling us

[@sambeaumont395]

Peak for peak box score maybe. Factor in his competition (or more lack thereof) and he loses a lot of spots.

[@jt5604]

Big man showing some humility

[@StepcurryNgPinas]

bigman cant shoot only can bully players. now if bigman can shoot then they will be great ofcourse they need to win chips

[@nachonachoman]

A lot of big men couldn't bully players. You need to have explosiveness and have good hands besides being big. I'm not a Lakers homer and I hated those two when they were playing but ppl rly don't give Shaq enough credit now. Tons of teams tooled their roster just to try to deal with him, carrying an extra big or two to try to get by them. Not many players you can say that of

[@llmrwhiskers3546]

@@nachonachoman100%! He’s the reason a lot of unskilled 7 footers became millionaires

[@H1GHD3FF]

This is Shaq

[@AK-74K]

​@@nachonachomanShaq had great feet as well, not just hands

[@Barti-SK]

So Happy to see JJ get an appearance on the JJ Redick podcast! That man is everywhere these days 💪

[@bcs1793]

Watching this video reminded me of the quote “The definition of hell is: Your last day on Earth, the person you became meets the person you could have become.”

[@2011hwalker]

Life isnt only achievement and grinding, its also enjoying the journey. Shaq enjoyed his life more than most. Becoming happy is the goal.

[@Calidastas]

I have to purposely avoid this exact thought. It can drive you so crazy you forget to live.

[@BijinMCMXC]

😱

[@TheGreatestJediOfAllTime]

And if my Aunt had nuts she’d be my uncle. What a meaningless quote. Not profound or deep.

[@roycedot]

Bot

[@thedarkfrost2351]

“You need your Alfred’s” damn that’s good

[@michaeldiaz2411]

Elaborate

[@yzwme586]

@@michaeldiaz2411 bro JJ explains it in the video.

[@vilebastage]

"I get jealous that my name is not in that greatest of all time..." If you would have started every season in shape, hit your free throws so that teams didn't devise an entire functional strategy of stopping you in the fourth by hacking you, and devoted all of your considerable talent and ability to your primary craft (which wasn't your acting or rap)... you would be in that conversation 100%.

[@mattmohi970]

or if he just learned to use his left hand. He could have been the hands down best player of all time. He's not even considered the best Center of all time.

[@chump1971]

100% agree. I'd take Hakeem or Kareem over Shaq any day, all day. But I love Shaq for his objectivity about his career.

[@DanielRidore]

lol some of y’all act like these athletes should just play and practice their sport 24/7. But y’all can’t wait to leave work

[@angeltodorov5918]

if he had one fifth of Kobe's work ethic... GOAT... by a landslide

[@diegotheyorkie1420]

If “if” was a fifth we’d all be drunk

[@samuelcolson8791]

if shaq shot 70% from the free throw line he would b in the conversation

[@Leo-gh7nz]

Not really. This gets thrown around a lot, but in the big picture it's meaningless. If he shot 70% he would have had about 2000 more points in his career. That would only move him up above Durant in the all-time list, and Durant would pass him up eventually anyway. So he'd be in the exact same spot on that list. And Shaq somewhat had a point about "making them when it matters". Honestly give me a situation Shaq didn't win a title he otherwise could have if he had just made 70% of his free throws. Didn't happen. Dude still won 4. Ironically the only title he missed out on due to free throws was probably 1995 when Nick Anderson was the one who missed 4 straight.

[@timeflies313]

Not really. He still couldn’t shoot a three, so there’s already a hole in his game. I know he didn’t NEED to shoot from outside the arc, but you can’t change the fact that he really couldn’t shoot the basketball from outside the paint. That’s not GOAT material. Jordan was a mid three point shooter, Lebron is a mid free throw and three point shooter, and Kareem also didn’t shoot threes, just skyhook for days. But you can’t change the fact that those guys at least ATTEMPTS and makes those shots occasionally even though they were weaknesses. Add in the fact that Shaq, who is EXACTLY like Lebron, with all of their God given talents isn’t really known for their defense. If Shaq and Lebron just exerted more effort on defense during their careers, people would have viewed them much more higher.

[@crystalizedExposed]

@@Leo-gh7nz yeah, people act like him averaging maybe 1 or 2 more points from free throws is gonna move him from out of the top 5 in most peoples lists to top 3 and in the goat conversation

[@Leo-gh7nz]

@@timeflies313 The D is a good point, because he was capable of it. He averaged around 3-4 blocks early in his career and he was 2nd in DPOY voting in his MVP season. He allowed himself to get too big/bulky and this impacted his movement but also his stamina/effort on the defensive end.

[@jla3562]

Shaq is getting your whole team in the penalty ill take that any day

[@Kware23]

Love how Shaq always adds Kobe to the goat convos 🙏🏾

[@CarlDykes]

This conversation is so good, thank you both.

[@WookieChewie13]

If Shaq took care of his body, took offseason and practice seriously, continuously added to his game ever year, he would have been in the conversation for GOAT. GOAT level performance and consistency doesnt start and end in the live games, its everything that happens in the background. Lebron, MJ, Kareem, Bill, Kobe, these guys are notorious for taking no shortcuts.

[@thiccpotato1147]

Shaq is a good example of why you never leave anything in the tank when you do anything. like Kobe said if Shaq was in the gym like Kobe they’d have 10 rings and he would be in that conversation.

[@Scientist287]

Awesome advice, I’m assuming you live by it yourself? How many rings do you have?

[@mansoursoltani247]

Oh oh Shaq has seen your comment haha

[@raiderjedi4160]

@@Scientist287😂😂😂

[@charlesplymail1721]

​@@Scientist287dumbass Remark of the day!

[@christopherconcept926]

Exactly. This is why he isn’t in that convo. He underachieved. He had a stretch where he was the most dominant player but over the course an entire career, he is not in the GOAT convo

[@thedonm2045]

only 2 that should be in the conversation is lebron and MJ

[@nessdagoat]

You tweakin out LeBron shouldn’t be in that conversation over Kobe in any way shape or form.

[@astromigui]

Kareem and Russell too

[@monisingh356]

kareem also.

[@Dottor_J]

I think Kareem should be there too, his overall resume is crazy deep

[@drzalejandro7]

And Joker then Edwards when theyre done

[@Valor4Christ]

Shaq has been so honest through the years. He is one the person that can still give us a piece of Kobe that we lost. 💔

[@jamesdavid6451]

I've always respected Shaq's introspection, truly marks how mature he's become over the years and being honest with himself.

[@TheKidsWearCrowns]

Shaq with the humility is rare. He’s right, it’s MJ, LeBron on top, and then everyone else under them. Shaq is easily a top 10 talent all time however, most dominant without question

[@Max-ys3xg]

I'd throw Kareem somewhere in there with MJ and Bron too, but agreed.

[@freedomfilms974]

Exactly, no question about it. Prime Shaq was the most unstoppable force who ever played the game but you can’t put him in the Mj and Bron talk. In fact, they’re the only ones at this point.

[@klimundas1]

Better then kobe?! And magic and kareem stop...

[@hashmoncrief6965]

Actually actually Shaq said Jordan and LeBron and you got to throw Kobe in there, quit being haters Kobe should be talked about as the greatest ever, you don't like it, that's your problem, if you're taking Kobe out, you most definitely got to take LeBron out.

[@YourFavouriteDraugr]

Shaq for top10 is extremely close, but also weird. After LeBron and Jordan, there's 8 spots left - Kareem, Hakeem, Wilt, Magic, Bird, Duncan, Kobe - these 7 feel like a lock as well. Shaq would be the final name with those. But then the argument needs to be had regarding Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, Steph/Durant/Giannis/Jokic from current times sooner rather than later. And whilst with whichever bias someone approaches that discussion, in any facet of the game, the easiest target for the discussion of being dropped from the top 10 in any of those names' favour would start at Shaq.

[@Mohjo99]

This is an amazing interview.

[@lightbeforethetunnel]

Prime Shaq was the GOAT of physical dominance. No one compares.

[@prince21781]

Wilt and LeBron up there as far as physical beasts

[@lightbeforethetunnel]

@@prince21781 They're physical specimens for sure, but Shaq was just something else when he got the ball inside close to the rim. Totally unstoppable force.

[@yourfavouriteusername]

@@lightbeforethetunneljust like Wilt, except Wilt was even more

[@okdude8215]

Dennis Rodman and Yao Ming did. Wilt was another beast entirely.​@@lightbeforethetunnel

[@lightbeforethetunnel]

@yourfavouriteusername It's not the same with Wilt, even though he was stronger. Idk why but Shaq just came across as more physically dominant inside, in how he played, than anyone else, to me.

[@diaaablooo]

if shaq was in 2001 shape all his career its not the same convo

[@MrE_]

If shaq was in that shape and actually tried hard, he wouldn't have had that much beef with kobe who just wanted to keep shaq accountable and to be in shape. They would have definitely completed the 4peat, and they definitely could have gotten a couple more rings together in the mid to late 2000s as shaq declines and kobe rises. Shaq and kobe could have been seen as goats 1 and 2 if shaq tried harder

[@cesorum]

Lol 2000 you mean. He was actually out of shape for a good part of the 2001 season

[@AstroSully]

@@cesorumAnd he was still unstoppable 😭

[@25mL]

Big guy. Be proud of what you accomplished. You get to sit at the table. So many players would love to have the honor to be there. In that room.

[@lilfolkes]

As Bulls a fan I have to correct Shaq..... If Pax misses that shot doesn't necessarily mean Chuck would have a ring, the series just would've went to game 7, and we can't predict the outcome of that🙃

[@andrewmoluf4299]

I love Chuck but Jordan is never giving him back his lunch money lol

[@tomt5482]

I agree. Comparing Kyrie's iso 3 with a minute left to Paxson's open 3 with just seconds to go is crazy. One is a star player taking over during a big moment in place of the "GOAT" while the other is a role player doing their job when called upon.

[@lilfolkes]

@@tomt5482 facts.... The Suns still had a chance to win the game after Pax's 3

[@djfriedice7754]

Very true. A game 7 would still had to have to be played. So, no guarantee that Barkley would get a ring. Also, Horace Grant cleanly blocked Kevin Johnson's shot at the end after Pax made that 3. And Jordan was never bailed out (according to LeFemme femboys). Jordan kept the Bulls in the entire game as leading scorer.

[@MrDragonkarp]

​@@djfriedice7754 Horace Grant never gets the credit he deserves I feel

[@DavidBagga]

Shaq is the most dominant center of all time in my opinion. Watching him as a kid on the lakers 3Peating was awesome. Still the last team to win 3 in a row. It was like Thanos collecting infinity stones in the avengers. The DIESEL! 💪🏽🏀

[@bobbythespaceghost9934]

It's Wilt Chamberlain for me.

[@troll-fx2zc]

Big Country destroyed Shaq everytime they played

[@troll-fx2zc]

@@jacky6293 what you talkin about, Willis

[@kevinlakeman5043]

The point is, you were a kid. You didn't grow up watching season after season of the great centers and teams of the 70'-mid-90's. Of course he was dominant over Big Country, 6'9" Mourning, old Mutombo, the Collins twins, Ostertag, Earvin Johnson and the like. And that 3-peat was vs. 3 of the weakest teams I've ever seen make the finals. When he faced a legit team in the finals, his Lakers team got dominated 4-1.

[@danieldanielson2324]

They made rules to limit Shaq. Teams drafted and constructed their teams to try and stop Shaq

[@WriteWhatISee]

Shaq will forever be top 10. It’s when you start getting down to that top 5 the longevity he didn’t have hurt him.

[@MrE_]

Maybe not even forever. He's in the bottom half of the top 10, so modern players could pass him up one day. Curry is already up there probably ahead of him and his career ain't over yet.

[@altfiwithleighlommen310]

I don't know. He's around Top 10. I can rattle off 10 quickly that can challenge him

[@WriteWhatISee]

@@MrE_ All respect to Curry I’ve never had him above Shaq and don’t now. I also don’t see anything further at 35+ Curry is doing with his team to move him up that argument. But yes if Jokic or Giannis win 2 more rings they could potentially edge a top 10/12 spot out.

[@YourFavouriteDraugr]

@@WriteWhatISee There is a real tossup already for the final 1 or 2 spots of the top 10. Shaq is part of that tossup. Olajuwon vs. Shaq is a debate as old as most basketball fans are today, and the only argument in favour of Shaq was the intangible 'dominance', whereas Hakeem was simply the better all around center. Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, and even the likes of Jerry West are underappreciated due to recency bias alone, by myself included. Most "expert" top 10s you'll read will have 2 out of these 5 inside it. And there are already four current names that have a very real possibility of ending up in the top 10 as is with Steph, Durant, Giannis, and Jokic, with some "expert" lists sprinkling them in to stand out in exchange of any of the ones above.

[@Gurmo86]

@@YourFavouriteDraugr I am a huge Olajuwon fan and his game speaks for itself but I think we sometimes get lost in the beauty of Olajuwon's game. Shaq's offensive efficiency and the effect it had on the opposing team's game plans and roster construction is something Olajuwon never approached. I feel it is unfair to say Olajuwon is simply the better all-around center.

[@inthezonesports5377]

I love Shaq and chucks friendship

[@FactsNReason]

Madddddd love for SHAQ…. Humility, performance, and intelligence … big up

[@Aubee89]

Nice to hear him be ok with Dwight and his name in the same sentence. Good on ya Shaq

[@Buttington_Headerson]

Dwight was better for Orlando. No hate to Shaq because he basically made our franchise.

[@Aubee89]

@@Buttington_Headerson Dwight's Orlando run was absolutely incredible. ain't no doubt

[@jrfirefiher]

But not wilt?

[@Doknot-tb9ey]

@@Buttington_Headerson Shaq was better in Orlando.

[@jonathaneaton]

When doing fantasy drafts in NBA 2K some people do choose Shaq first overall. Based on that I would say depending on what you want your team to be some could say Shaq is the GOAT.

[@GameArmorGameplay]

Real players know.

[@andrewshaver8546]

@@GameArmorGameplay Real 2k players know who the real life GOAT was? Not like 2k is representing out-of-shape, not-practicing-free-throws Shaq. They give you the best version of him. Dude was a monster, but he literally got pulled in clutch moments and ends of games sometimes because he couldn't hit his free throws. Is that something that should be happening to the best player of all time?

[@andrewshaver8546]

It's like saying Bo Jackson was the greatest football player of all time because he was untouchable in Tecmo Bowl.

[@sambeaumont395]

In the context of a one-off exhibition game with players from all era’s at their peak - Shaq could look like a very early pick - but I do question with all the other stars present in the game is he going to get the favourable non-calls that allowed him to throw elbows, step through his defender or bounce them off his when backing down? NBA2K can’t/doesn’t factor this sort of thing in, but reality would.

[@goettee5430]

Shaq is my goat bro. Favorite basketball player of all time, and genuinely one of my favorite human beings all time.

[@Leo-gh7nz]

Shaq was one of my fav players growing up, I followed him since he was a rookie. He should have worked hard to just maintain his rookie physique. He came in at around 300 lbs. He was only 20 so most players do fill out a bit as they get older, but not to the extent Shaq allowed himself to. I think the impact this had on his game/stats was a bit overblown as even when he was really big he was still dominant. But it impacted his injury history and he probably would have been more effective and putting up better numbers as he got older. He seriously got into weight lifting in the mid to late 90s and I thought that was bizarre. You could tell he had added a lot of muscle sure, but also was just bulkier and heavier as well. Even as a rookie his strength was never an issue, he was already bullying everyone in the paint. In today's NBA no s&c coach would allow him to lift heavy like that and get that bulky.

[@sambeaumont395]

IMO him getting bigger allowed him to be dominant - not saying a slimmer, more athletic, higher stamina Shaq wouldn’t have dominated it just would have been different, at a lower weight his opponents would have matched up a little better regardless. Through his Championships and MVP who did he actually dominate?

[@Leo-gh7nz]

@@sambeaumont395 Shaq led the league in scoring his 3rd season, and was 2nd in his 2nd season only after David Robinson went crazy in the last game. Point being, he was already physically dominant and putting up monster stats by his second season when he was still relatively slim (by Shaq's standards). He also played 81 games his second season and never played that many games again. People keep whining about his free throws, but he would have been a much greater asset to his team if he had just stayed in shape and limited the injuries that come from being so big and sometimes out of shape.

[@sambeaumont395]

@@Leo-gh7nz - never said he wasn’t dominant, or that he wouldn’t have been dominant if in better shape (lower weight) through those championship years. But his weight - often 80lb+ advantage was a key factor in him dominating while winning championships. Without that weight maybe he would have been more athletic (not lost so much of it) and had better stamina, health etc. But again during the 7 or so seasons between his first and last championships his weight was a massive reason for his dominance - creating possibly the biggest mismatches of NBA history (between his size and absolute decline at the position). However, the gap between him and the next guy may not have been so great if he wasn’t so big.

[@KingKiller5555555555]

Shaq is definitely top 10. He's the most dominant player ever to me. I know people say Kareem had the most unstoppable shot but I say Shaq's dunking is lol. He's the most dominant force I've ever seen.

[@jamesrawlins735]

In this case Shaq is referring to Wilt. No one will ever catch Wilt when it comes to rebounding.

[@DanielaCumana-oy7mg]

Top fvcking 10??!! He's higher than that.

[@KingKiller5555555555]

@@jamesrawlins735 I was not alive when Wilt played. That's what I was referring to.

[@YourFavouriteDraugr]

Shaq for top10 is extremely close, but also weird. After LeBron and Jordan, there's 8 spots left - Kareem, Hakeem, Wilt, Magic, Bird, Duncan, Kobe - these 7 feel like a lock as well. Shaq would be the final name with those. But then the argument needs to be had regarding Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, Steph/Durant/Giannis/Jokic from current times sooner rather than later, and maybe it's jsut me but Shaq is the first name that would drop out in favour of any of the above.

[@KingKiller5555555555]

@@YourFavouriteDraugr See where it would get weird for me is Bill or Shaq because I agree 100 percent with those other names.

[@MegaKingwillie]

Duncan needs some love

[@harp1288]

He’s top 5, people just don’t know enough about basketball to notice him

[@junior3dc]

The mere thought of Charles Barkley winning a ring legit gave Shaq heart palpitations😂

[@lukaslambs5780]

I was not expecting JJ to display such knowledge of comic book movies, I’m impressed.

[@dl30wpb]

Actually, he didn't display knowledge as the part he talked about didn't happen at the beginning but near the end.

[@Silver-xu5er]

Shaq with 75% FTs would have been the GOAT

[@troll-fx2zc]

Not 74% though

[@anonymousl5150]

Shaq even with 100% ft was less efficient than prime Steph Curry if we look at TS%. And if we're looking at defense, Shaq was a good rim protector but terrible on the perimeter so it's a wash.

[@jeju6892]

@@anonymousl5150 found the analytic nerd kid. Imagine thinking prime Steph is better than prime Shaq lmaoooo

[@back2back379]

@@anonymousl5150 Shaq would have laid out Steph once in his era and it would make Steph never even consider going into the lane ever again. And before you counter with saying he doesn't need to get in the lane cause he can just shoot 3s, if all he needed to do was just chuck 3s, that's what he'd always be doing, but he doesn't, because he needs to keep the threat of what he does in the lane for his 3 pt game to be effective.

[@anonymousl5150]

@@back2back379 Steph has 2 rings with bums as his 2nd offensive threats, Shaq has 0. He also has a far superior regular season record. I literally proved Shaq was not as dominant as the numbers suggest because I literally gave 100% ft hypothetically, and he was still less efficient than Curry.

[@Flowerz__]

Respect to shaq for recognizing the truth. He is one of the greats, he’s definitely not in consideration for GOAT status tho. He was to 1 dimensional to be considered the actual GOAT. He’s definitely in #1 GOAT talk for his position tho.

[@sambeaumont395]

I disagree. Wilt, Kareem and Hakeem all push Shaq out of the conversation [for GOAT center], arguments could be made for others pushing him down even further.

[@illWillienumber31]

Not only is he still the last player to 3 peat the finals MVP, the NBA changed the illegal defense rule at an attempt to slow him down. That's the most significant rule change in the NBA in the last 40 years and is also the reason so many 3s are taken today. The NBA stepping in to change how defense is played to slow you down puts you in the GOAT conversation.

[@bryanxiong6608]

Lol the end of this video though 😂

[@MichaelDeLaRosa]

No wonder he didn’t vote for joker for mvp

[@user-nm5ry4xt5g]

Jj is a joke. The fact he compared Paxson to Kyrie is laughable. Paxson was open because of mj passing when double teamed and catch n shoot wide open. Kyrie went iso 1v1 because he's the best scorer on the team. It's literally idiotic to compare this.

[@rodentblade]

​@@user-nm5ry4xt5gyou missed the whole point of his example 😭he's just trying to say it's a team sport you need good people around you to win

[@allusion1232]

@@user-nm5ry4xt5g hes saying mj and lebron didn't shoot that game winner, and that ultimately neither could've won without their teammates stepping up and supporting

[@user-nm5ry4xt5g]

@allusion1232 I know what he said you obviously don't know what I said. It's a dumb comparison.

[@user-nm5ry4xt5g]

@rodentblade it's a dumb comparison. That fact he took a comparison that isn't even in the same universe shows how much better MJ is than Lebron. Lebron was even the best at getting a bucket on his team let alone to be mentioned with MJ. Lebron is overrated. Duncan is better than Lebron. Anyone that knows basketball will take Duncan over lebron.

[@Demik.]

JJ Reddick, I just want you to know that this is the best interview that anybody has ever gave shaq. These are the best questions. I know everything about Shaquille O’Neal but these were different and the answers were different because it’s usually the same and the way you came with that you could tell you did your research. I just appreciate you.

[@jamesmelton7413]

Opinions vary..

[@BeardedMavsFan]

shaq ALWAYS shouts out " the others " also thanking paxton is gold 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@pxg1773]

People don’t think Shaq as a goat because he doesn’t give off the hero vibe. The Laziness, the hack a shaq, always making fun…..but if u can look past all that and see all the raw power of his, he’s probably the goat.

[@mickymickymike4105]

Shaq is a top 10 all time best player. The order goes: Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kareem, Kobe, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, Tim Duncan, Shaq, Curry.

[@albinomaybe2323]

Russell instead of Duncan

[@aricrudd6579]

Don’t put Kobe top five. Disrespectful to everyone else in the top ten to put him above them.

[@oceanwaves83]

​@@aricrudd6579some people value peak play over career, it is what it is.

[@YourFavouriteDraugr]

Not having Hakeem in the top10 is quite criminal, but there is a real tossup for the final 1 or 2 spots of the top 10. Shaq is part of that tossup.

[@mickymickymike4105]

@@YourFavouriteDraugr Kareem is top 3 on my list. Did you miss it?

[@johnwright7823]

People sleep on Oscar Robertson for top 5. Guy literally averaged 31 ppg 12rb 12 ast for a whole season. 😂 Hes 14th in scoring and that’s without dunking or 3s. Lead the nba in assists 6 times. 12 time all star and 11 time all pro.

[@jishafish5691]

He never won enough

[@MrBacon-ou1kw]

1 chip isn't enough for top 5, also was out of his prime at that point with prime kareem. You need atleast 3 to be in that convo imo. Also only has 1 MVP. Nah he's not even top 10.

[@markmelnik8680]

It is funny to hear him say this since he never seemed to take it all that seriously and spent a lot of time being out of shape. His effort has him properly slotted

[@buddha323brown8]

Shaq one of the best to ever do it.

[@CWil06]

Shaq is a 🐐 and most dominant. Orlando Shaq has not been duplicated since

[@davidmelendez2384]

Most Dominant Center of all time, if he kept up with his health, homie might have been the goat 💯

[@johncooper9746]

After Wilt

[@MistaTofMaine]

I have to put Shaq behind wilt but I have Shaq 2nd most dominant. If wilt could have backed down like Shaq was allowed to he could have averaged 75 ppg a season.

[@paulhaney8326]

Guard and Small Forward Position players are more well rounded so people view them as better players overall.

[@the49thlaw]

You’re definitely in that conversation big guy!

[@douglaswalker7707]

if shaq had even a fraction of the work ethic kobe had, him being the goat wouldnt be up for discussion, im still taking prime shaq over any players in nba history, the only other player i might consider is 2018 or 2013 lebron, imo other than that no one else comes close to prime shaq

[@tees6675]

averaging 38 points per game in the finals is absolutely insane. he was a freak of nature...

[@givemhades]

Yall just be talking. You don’t become Shaq without having a work ethic.

[@douglaswalker7707]

@@givemhades well he clearly didnt have that same work ethic later in his career which is why him and kobe split in the first place, and why he way almost 400 pounds later in his career

[@Max-ys3xg]

I'd consider a couple, just off the top of my head: 2018 Bron, 2013 Bron, 91 MJ, 93 MJ, and 94 Hakeem.

[@WhateverYT3]

He's there if you talk GOAT by position.

[@brendanbloom3366]

He’s the 5th best center but he’s better than any non big.

[@therealbigboss101]

yup, Shaq the goat center

[@MrBacon-ou1kw]

@@brendanbloom3366 5th best in what metric? If we're talking prime vs prime, I'm pretty sure Shaq would bodybag any other center on the list. However I can see the argument against him if we're talking career accomplishments and longevity.

[@brendanbloom3366]

@@MrBacon-ou1kw metric? There are 4 centers better at basketball than him. Hes not body bagging wilt. Wilt is a better scorer, passer, defender, and rebounder and he’s bigger stronger faster more athletic and better endurance. Shaq is a better scorer than Russell but like Shaq Russell could dunk on anybody and he would dominate even more in shaqs era where they weren’t super strict on offensive fouls. Russell is a far better defender and he’s a better passer rebounder and athlete. Kareem is a better scorer defender and passer than Shaq. Both shaq and Hakeem are unstoppable scorers but Hakeem is a far better defender.

[@MrBacon-ou1kw]

​@@brendanbloom3366 So many things wrong in that paragraph. First of all, the reality is those early eras of basketball you mentioned were far less competitive. A lot of the guys back then didn't play basketball full time because it didn't pay enough, and one of the greatest of that era (cousy) couldn't even dribble with his left hand. Elgin baylor for example was in the military during his days and only played on the weekends for a whole season. Given the competition it's impossible to compare Shaqs numbers and accomplishments to guys like Wilt and Russell because they were dominating far worse players, objectively. Kareem has a better resume than Shaq for sure, but imo prime vs prime Shaq is bodybagging him 1 on 1. Hakeem is tougher but I'm still taking prime Shaq over him.

[@CadJuice]

Chuck out here catching strays LMFAOOOOOOO 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@noahx.classic]

His goat status happened with the moves he made off the court. Shaq is an outstanding human being.

[@stizanley3987]

Only LeBron and MJ are in the conversation. Not Kobe or KD or Curry or Bird. Only Bron and MJ.

[@Max-ys3xg]

I'd add Kareem somewhere in there but agreed. Bron and MJ are in a tier above everyone else.

[@be4st856]

kobe is a better individual player and leader than lebron. if kobe had lebron's teams, there's absolutely zero chance he'd have the same negative finals record. kobe beat 4 hofs with 1 hof running mate. lebron doesn't have anything close to that achievement. lebron is a great player, but he didn't have it upstairs for a majority of his career. he also has an incredibly weak offensive arsenal for a player of his caliber. at his fundamental core, he's more of a magic johnson (a support player) than he is the feature, and that's why he needs so much help to get the job done, if he's going to be the number 1 option. he doesn't have the individual skillset to be a closer, so he always needs 1 because he can't create a great shot on demand. he dominates transition play and mismatches.

[@stizanley3987]

@@be4st856 lol. Cope harder LOL

[@be4st856]

@@stizanley3987 dont have to. I laid out facts that dismisses any notion lebron is better. The only one who has to cope is you

[@stizanley3987]

@@be4st856 lol. I can't. I don't have the time to play with you, but thanks for the laughs.

[@ScoobySnax.]

Shaq is higher than Kobe

[@Sectrix2pp]

That's what I've been saying

[@RehanX44]

it don't matter people dont like shaq as they like other goat players

[@presidentialkingdom2201]

😂😂😂😂 y’all are a joke man I stg.

[@Montbtw]

I think most would say that Shaq had higher highs. Personally, I would put Kobe ahead of him for the totality of his career. Shaq really wasn’t impacting much at all later in his career.

[@douglaswalker7707]

lmao no hes not, kobe more rings and had a better career, kobes career didnt end well because of injuries, shaqs didnt end well because he got too fat

[@el1tefire252]

4:24 Shaq said that like a 13 year old troll and it’s absolutely hilarious

[@B_M]

Shaq needs a hug. HE IS WITHOUT A DOUBT ONE OF THE GREATEST TO EVER TO PLAY THE GAME. And yes I shouted that because it deserved it.

[@benioren6120]

shaq reveals that he has childish emotional maturity

[@litodat233]

I mean he be the first to tell u that

[@Nunya7211]

You cant handle nuance. Stay in your lane.

[@noodlessoul8356]

There's no GOAT conversation. There's MJ and then there's a fight for 2nd best player ever if you want...

[@marvinesquibel2625]

No shut up there’s obviously a Goat conversation and kareeem And Lebron are both in it 😂Take it out your fuckin mouth already y’all are such a joke and it even funny anymore just flat out embarrassing the amount of D riding you old fucks do on MJ🤦🏽‍♂️

[@marvinesquibel2625]

😂😂😂

[@marvinesquibel2625]

LMAOO

[@KavalanSol]

In the words of the great Bird: "Who of you mf's is coming second?"

[@jaimed.9154]

MJ is not as good as lebron as a player but he sure is more succesful. Thats what makes the debate. The perfect resume vs the one-man franchise. I get it you like MJ but dont be so delusional

[@v4v819]

Shaq is top ten in my books and i think that's arguable in any top 10 conversation!

[@williamthompson8591]

Idec im gonna say it, Shaq is in the GOAT conversation to me. Everyone in the world knew what he was going to do in the post and he did it anyways and nobody could stop it and feeding him in the post was the best likelihood to score of any offense in the NBA for a decade. In his prime, every team he played with was automatically a championship favorite. Even shooting a horrible ft percentage, he made plenty of those shots through being hacked. Shaq is underrated

[@Sectrix2pp]

Mj would be coming off the bench for most teams today

[@snupedummy]

To athletic and his midrange was to good he would of found his way

[@Saul.2910]

Congrats! This is the dumbest thing I’ve read in 2024

[@scottmulhollen3303]

@@Saul.2910agreed

[@jamesh3948]

I agree but he’s 61, give the man a break.

[@310wenative3]

Stay off the crack my nigga seriously

[@xavirik4828]

Hes a top 10 player of all time and beloved worldwide like almost no other athlete. Take a breathe Shaq, you done good my man

[@tuckerjerbs]

4:15 whatttttt is this lol his brain goin back n forth w itself lolol

[@williamswint5949]

He's in my goat conversation for sure

[@v4v819]

from 1999-2004 Shaq was in his own league and as dominant as any player for a duration of time!

[@walterlundy723]

Why everybody seems to forget about Big Stanley Roberts when they mention Orlando Big men. At one point in time in the Franchise history before Shaq got drafted, Big Stan used to put that team on his back every night, I would put him ahead of Greg Kite.

[@UltracoreUltraUranium]

Great Batman Begins analogy.

[@unaneaennuevayork5416]

He has 4 chips and the most dominant player to play the game. So talented and god Given frame. Never met a man shaped like a tank that can move the way he did. It’s not a question because he isn’t a Guard.

[@25mL]

Man that Alfred analogy is on point.

[@user-rj5vt6zx7q]

You are definitely in the top 10.

[@acupuncturekid]

Greg kite reference! Wow

[@LordDreek-Amen-Ra]

I have always said Shaq is in the Goat conversation. No one else was able to transcend Jordan, but Shaq. He changed how the game was played. They even had rules just for him. Shaq, you're in the conversation for those who know.

[@gtf5392]

I’m not a Lakers fan but Shaq is in my top 5 along with a couple other Lakers: 1. Jordan 2. Wilt 3. Kobe 4. Kareem 5. Shaq

[@BoomerFitness]

If I'm drafting people in the last 30 years. Shaq would be my top pick. Not a Lakers fan but I as bummed when Shaq and Kobe broke up. That combo would of won more championships.

[@warbirdwf]

I think Shaq is a great human being. Super friendly to all. Super generous with strangers. Huge heart. In regards to his playing days, I think Kobe was right. Shaq wasn't as committed as he and Jordan were. Shaq got overweight and played most of his career that way. He didn't appear to work on his free throws, and was horrific. I often wonder if Shaq was as committed as Jordan was in working out, staying lean and in shape, what kind of a career he could have had.

[@adequatequality]

What Shaq was able to accomplish with physicality alone will never be replicated. If only he stayed in shape and focused up for the latter part of his career. He would’ve 100% been in the convo

[@dougmiyamoto3109]

I love that the big guy isn't delusional. And I have him and Wilt tied at most dominant ever.

[@jeremiahgallagher]

Shaq is in this conversation, though. Totally respect the humility post-career, no doubt. But honestly it's Mike, LeBron, then your favorite combinations of Bill Russell, Wilt, Kobe, Shaq, Kareem etc. He is 100% in *the* conversation. Respect

[@eriksports]

I mean everyone who was around back then knows peak Shaq is as dominant as any player in history. He was literally unstoppable

[@thenichmoreno396]

He is definitely one of The 5 greatest players of all time and The greatest center of all time.

[@athirdwhy9734]

If Shaq had taken better care of himself, I think he's position in GOAT debate would have been more solidified. Because he's right...I know for me, I have him in my top 10 but it's not weird to me if hear someone only have him in their 20-25 range or lower.

[@donwilburn2470]

He's in my top 5 of all time.

[@under-._.-score]

Shaq gets sensitive sometimes but I appreciate hearing that he has that understanding of himself.

[@kevchuck]

Shaq is one of the greatest of all time.

[@H1GHD3FF]

John Ellis has games of Shaq in high school dunking on everyone. Shaq wearing the mini short too. Interviews in state title

[@boblazar6953]

Shaq isn't in the Goat conversation but he is in the best and kindest person conversation.

[@Leowulfs]

"I'm from an era where if it's not definite I don't want it." "Well I didn't pass him up in points so I only wanna hear one other name. I'm *one of* the most dominant big men. I'm *one of* the greatest Orlando Magic big men of all time." Shaq doesn't know what definite is. It's crazy such an accomplished athlete can be so insecure about others. Dwight is the best big man they've had, he did the most, he made that franchise relevant. As for whether he's more dominant than Bill or Kareem, that's up to the each person to decide. It's just crazy he became a cranky old hater after retiring.

[@jamesroberts1504]

Even if Paxson misses that shot, and the Suns win, there still would've been a Game 7.

[@Movincool54]

Goat should be by position, team, and era.

[@irjake]

If he had stayed in shape 365 days a year he would have easily been in the convo for #1 all time.

[@JrueSturdy]

Can you imagine what Shaq would have been if he had trained in the off season? If he would have stayed in shape year round? If he would have hit even 60% from the line? He's still top 10 without all that!

[@keepmeposted]

Top 5 center and arguably the most exciting to watch broken rims and all

[@Tava]

imo the threepeat with 3 finals mvp averaging video game numbers is possibly the best run ever

[@sproles88]

Shaq to me is the greatest center of all time. You could drop him in any era and no one would be able to stop him

[@user-pf9mt7tz5u]

Hakeem stopped him pretty easily.

[@Cronellishways]

Shaq is a top ten player of all time and one of the top three greatest centers of all time, definitely the BEST center past the year 2000.

[@jimdino77]

Him and Duncan are right there, but I respect Shaqs perspective

[@LazyStory]

Tim Duncan is way above Shaq.

[@cresv422]

Not really

[@NankoRi]

@@LazyStory they are equal, both amazing careers

[@KeepitThoro247]

Just curious, why isn’t Wilt and Russel in the convo? I’m not going to act like I’ve seen enough footage to have a say