In a candid interview with the Los Angeles Times, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal unveiled his list of the top 10 greatest players in basketball history. Ever the character, O'Neal divided his selections into two 'teams', each filled with legends who have left indelible marks on the sport.
First Team: A Blend of Power and Skill
The first team, unsurprisingly, features some of the most iconic figures in NBA history. Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and O'Neal himself make up this dream quintet. It's a mix of raw power, unmatched skill, and winning mentality that would be virtually unbeatable on any court.
O'Neal's inclusion of himself might raise eyebrows for some, but considering his dominant career and multiple championships, it's hard to argue against his place among these greats.
Second Team: No Shortage of Talent
The second team, while perhaps not as immediately recognizable as the first, is no less impressive. Stephen Curry, Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan, Isiah Thomas, Karl Malone, and Julius Erving (Dr. J) make up this equally formidable lineup. Each player has made significant contributions to the game, whether through their scoring prowess, leadership, or innovation.
Interestingly, despite being one of the most prolific scorers and rebounders in NBA history, Karl Malone found himself on the second team. The same goes for Charles Barkley and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - both absent from O'Neal's selections. But as O'Neal put it, "That ain’t no disrespect to Malone, [Charles] Barkley and Kareem… That’s my list."
A Nod to Dr. J
Perhaps the most intriguing choice was Julius Erving, known universally as Dr. J. Despite not including O'Neal in his own top 10 list, the former Lakers center had nothing but respect for the man who paved the way for many future stars. He said, "He’s the great Dr. J. He paved the way for all of us. He can say what he wants and nobody should say a damn thing about it.”
Whether you agree with Shaq's picks or not, there's no denying the impact each of these players has had on the game of basketball. They've set records, won championships, and inspired countless others to pick up a ball and shoot for the stars. And in the end, isn't that what greatness is all about?