Starting a franchise, assuming no injuries who would you want to build around?

[NBAplayoffs2001]

Prime Magic Johnson or Prime Shaq?

In today's era.

[JerrySeinfeld]

Shaq

[outbreak]

Shaq and its not even close. Magics a great player but shaqs a better piece to build around

[Sportal]

Shaq, hands down.

[dubeta]

lol, every team in todays NBA has about 2-3 players that could lock down Magic

[ImKobe]

Does HIV count as injury?

Magic would long-term have a bigger impact on my franchise and he is more lovable, didn't break up any dynasties and he still was very good post his disease so I'd see him play on a high level for 20 years vs 15 with Shaq.

Shaq is easier to build around but you don't win without a Kobe or a Wade, Magic can run the offense and he can carry the scoring load when needed, he was still winning rings with an older Kareem and carried the Lakers to the Finals in 91 with all the injuries.

[dubeta]

Does HIV count as injury?

Magic would long-term have a bigger impact on my franchise and he is more lovable, didn't break up any dynasties and he still was very good post his disease so I'd see him play on a high level for 20 years vs 15 with Shaq.

Shaq is easier to build around but you don't win without a Kobe or a Wade, Magic can run the offense and he can carry the scoring load when needed, he was still winning rings with an older Kareem and carried the Lakers to the Finals in 91 with all the injuries.

LOL, theres no way in hell Magic would be able to carry Kobe to 3 rings like Shaq did.

[Harison]

Too easy.

[Ariza4three]

So you're saying the scenario is Prime Shaq without any injuries?

Overwhelmingly Shaq

[sammichoffate]

Shaq would destroy ANY small ball team today. Slow the game down and feast inside, BBQ chicken.

[QuebecBaller]

in today's era, Shaq would have to shoot Three-Pointers...

So I take Magic

[eeeeeebro]

I would build the warriors---

[Phantom_Blue]

Not Harden.

[Pushxx]

Considering many of Shaq's moves in today's NBA would be called flagrant or offensive fouls, I'm gonna go with Magic.

[LAKingKobe]

I dont think Shaq can run the floor with small ball pace especially in the playoffs. I can't remember if he was able to do that well enough.

[LAKingKobe]

Unrelated Hypothetical theory....
Dwight Howard in the 90s would be the second best player in the league?
There weren't many great superstars anyway but can u imagine him grabbing boards and then outrunning the other slow-azzz bigs of that era and scoring around the rim. Would score twenty plus points right there I would imagine. I've noticed Howard is great at that and he is so athletic...

[rzp]

Unrelated Hypothetical theory....
Dwight Howard in the 90s would be the second best player in the league?
There weren't many great superstars anyway but can u imagine him grabbing boards and then outrunning the other slow-azzz bigs of that era and scoring around the rim. Would score twenty plus points right there I would imagine. I've noticed Howard is great at that and he is so athletic...

I hope this is sarcasm

Shaq outplayed DH when he was like 38 yrs old or somenthing.

[Nash]

Shaq in todays world.

SHAQ
Ryan Anderson
Galinari
Klay Thompson
Lowry

How many rings

[rmt]

Shaq. How would all these small ball teams guard him? Guess Spurs' Boban would get a lot of run.

[L.A. Jazz]

Magic for me.

Between toptalent players i take the leader over the individually better player.

[AintNoSunshine]

SMH at the notion that Shaq can't play "small-ball". He could run with anyone before he got fat.

Shaq with 4 smalls would crush any other line up if they decide to do that, or they could choose to slow it down, he would still dominate any small ball lineups.

[CarlosBoozer]

Shaq

[CakeorDeath]

Is getting fat considered an injury? That is, am I guaranteed Shaq won't get fat?

If yes, Shaq easily. If no, still Shaq, but not quite as easily.

[VengefulAngel]

Is getting fat considered an injury? That is, am I guaranteed Shaq won't get fat?

If yes, Shaq easily. If no, still Shaq, but not quite as easily.

You get not-fat version of Shaq for 6-7 years.

It's a lot closer then everyone above thinks.

[Cold soul]

Shaq is greater individual talent but Magic is greatest leader and teammate that made everyone else around him much better.