Where did Shaq rank as a rookie?

[Phoenix]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DSN1KnAW-Y

The clear cut top three in 93 were MJ, Barkley and Hakeem. Don't think theres much debate to throw anyone else into that mix. After that though? You had guys like Ewing, Malone, Admiral, Nique had the best 'post Achilles injury' comeback season for the ages. Was Shaq dominant enough even as a rookie to be thrown into top 5 consideration? At worst top 7 or 8? Rookie stats were rounded off 23/14/4/2 56% shooting and 2 busted rims/backboard.

[Manny98]

*crickets*

[Phoenix]

Of course, it's not a MJ/Lebron topic. Whats your thoughts Manny, given your extensive knowledge and years watching the game.

[Akeem34TheDream]

I mean, I was gonna reply but it looks like you already got the answer. He was a top 10 player and not in top 5. He might be a top 5 in his sophomore year.

[Phoenix]

I mean, I was gonna reply but it looks like you already got the answer. He was a top 10 player and not in top 5. He might be a top 5 in his sophomore year.

That's my view on it but I was just looking for other opinions.

[Roundball_Rock]

Top 10. Here is a stab at a list:

1) Jordan
2) Hakeem
3) Barkley
4) Robinson
5) Malone
6) Ewing
7) Pippen
8) Shaq
9) Wilkins
10) Price

[Jasper]

Shaq was second to last /// he was considered fat , slow , no jumper , bad foot work , and could not jump.

Ohh -- thought you were talking about his career ... not rookie ..

same thing /

[Phoenix]

Top 10. Here is a stab at a list:

1) Jordan
2) Hakeem
3) Barkley
4) Robinson
5) Malone
6) Ewing
7) Pippen
8) Shaq
9) Wilkins
10) Price

Pretty good list. Interesting inclusion of Price at #10.

[Roundball_Rock]

Pretty good list. Interesting inclusion of Price at #10.

He was really good before injuries ruined him and that may have been his best year. He was actually all-NBA first team that year. Part of the reason he is there, though, is after those 9 there wasn't an obvious 10th guy.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Top 10. Here is a stab at a list:

1) Jordan
2) Hakeem
3) Barkley
4) Robinson
5) Malone
6) Ewing
7) Pippen
8) Shaq
9) Wilkins
10) Price
Bruh, rookie Shaq improved the Magic by 20 games. Playing with TRASH and Scott Skiles.

23 ppg and 14 rpg is better than 1993 Pippen. Being probably equally impactful defensively, given the nature of his size, shot blocking, rim protection, and rebounding.

As was Nique that season. 30 ppg and 7 rpg on 47%, while actually leading his ball club is >>> 19 ppg, 8 rpg on 47% ... as the secondary focus of a defense. And no the disparity in defensive abilities isn't enough to off set that remotely.

Both quite easily I might add. Scottie should be like 9th on that list with no questions about it.

LeBron Stan in disguise as a errr Pippen Stan alert.

[Phoenix]

He was really good before injuries ruined him and that may have been his best year. He was actually all-NBA first team that year. Part of the reason he is there, though, is after those 9 there wasn't an obvious 10th guy.

You could have probably gone with Stockton although like you said, Price got the first team nod. Stock was 15/12, 49% from the field, third in the league in steals. Price was really good that year though. Larry Johnson was good too that year too, 22/11/4 53% shooting. A few other notable players missed alot of time with injury. Drexler in particular would have filled out the top 10 but missed 33 games that year.

[Phoenix]

Bruh, rookie Shaq improved the Magic by 20 games. Playing with TRASH and Scott Skiles.

23 ppg and 14 rpg is better than 1993 Pippen. Being probably equally impactful defensively, given the nature of his size, shot blocking, rim protection, and rebounding.

As was Nique that season. 30 ppg and 7 rpg on 47%, while actually leading his ball club is >>> 19 ppg, 8 rpg on 47% ... as the secondary focus of a defense. And no the disparity in defensive abilities isn't enough to off set that remotely.

Both quite easily I might add. Scottie should be like 9th on that list with no questions about it.

LeBron Stan in disguise as a errr Pippen Stan alert.

He did have Nick Anderson and 3D as well but yeah, Shaq instantly took the same core that could barely scrap together 21 wins to the brink of the playoffs. They lost the tiebreaker with the Pacers as they were both 41-41.

[Roundball_Rock]

Bruh, rookie Shaq improved the Magic by 20 games. Playing with TRASH and Scott Skiles.


Damn (it was actually 21 games but facts aren't your strength), and the GOAT only improved his team by 11 games?

Shaq is underrated for his team impact and. Only LeBron, Magic, Russell, and Bird rival him in that category.


You could have probably gone with Stockton although like you said, Price got the first team nod. Stock was 15/12, 49% from the field, third in the league in steals. Price was really good that year though. Larry Johnson was good too that year too, 22/11/4 53% shooting. A few other notable players missed alot of time with injury. Drexler in particular would have filled out the top 10 but missed 33 games that year.

Agreed on all points.


They lost the tiebreaker with the Pacers as they were both 41-41.

People forget the Pacers often were a mid-pack team in terms of wins in the 90s. Interestingly the next year Orlando won 50 and Indiana 47 and they played in the 4/5 series. Indiana swept them.

[Whoah10115]

Shaq not comparable to Pippen's impact, 7'1 or 8'4.


If basing on the season and not just ranking the top players, Ewing would be #4. Stockton needs to be in that top 10, come on.

[Roundball_Rock]

SS you were actually right, it was 21 wins to 41 for Shaq.