Shaquille O’Neal claimed that he would be able to dominate Giannis, had they both played during the same era
During a recent episode of ‘The Big Podcast with Shaq,’ Shaquille O’Neal claimed that he would be able to dominate Giannis, had they both played during the same era. These claims came after Tracy McGrady explained the style of play during earlier eras.
Unlike today, teams in earlier eras played tough defense and closed up the paint, making it tough to score inside. So Giannis, who relies on scoring in the paint, wouldn’t be able to dominate as Shaq did during those eras. This was when Shaq explained how he’d dominate Giannis.
“And that was always the strategy – to try to pull me out the paint. But you’re forgetting one thing, you still got to guard me at the other end,” said Shaq. [via Future Tech Trends]
Shaquille O’Neil’s ability to dominate would serve him well in any era, especially in previous ones where the game was predicated on inside scoring. With plenty of experience in dominating the paint during these eras, it is quite clear that he would do the same against Giannis.
However, the Greek Freak’s game has developed over the years with him being able to hit jump shots, especially three-pointers. If this trait of his was to consistently improve, well, Shaq may have to one day take back his claim. Regardless of Shaq’s comments, the Bucks’ frontman’s future looks bright.
Shaquille O’Neil’s Career
O’Neal is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players and centers of all time. He was a 7 ft 1 in and 325 lb center who played for six teams over his 19-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is a four-time NBA Champion.
After playing college basketball for the LSU Tigers, O’Neal was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft. He quickly became one of the best centers in the league, winning Rookie of the Year in 1992-93 and leading his team to the 1995 NBA Finals. After four years with the Magic, O’Neal signed as a free agent with the Los Angles Lakers. They won three consecutive championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Amid tension between O’Neil and Kobe Bryant, O’Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004, and his fourth NBA championship followed in 2006. Midway through the 2007-2008 season, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. After a season-and-a-half with the Suns, O’Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2009-10 season. O’Neal played for the Boston Celtics in the 2010-11 season before retiring.
O’Neal’s individual accolades include the 1999–2000 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, the 1992–93 NBA Rookie of the year award, 15 All-Star Game selections, three All-Star Game MVP awards, three Finals MVP awards, two scoring titles, 14 All-NBA team selections, and three NBA All-Defensice Team selections.
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