Shaq IS a legend, nobody's denying that.
IMO, though, his status is pretty much fixed, at least in my book. I had his career at No4 (slightely above Hakeem's), but clearly below Jabbar's, who was my No3. If he wins the title and the MVP, he'll cut the margin, but not bridge it.
(I may move him one step above in the all-time players' list, though).
Shaq is great, no doubt. If he wins his 4th ring he"ll become even greater. However, I think Kareem is the greatest center ever.
He dominated HS, college and the NBA like no other player in the history of the NBA.
Kareem is the goat IMO.
Wilt, Russell, Kareem and Hakeem all have legit cases over him. Hakeem won "more" with less, by that he won his titles in a much stronger league. Kareem has longevity on his side, was dominant, has it all really. Wilt is the most amazing statistically, Russell just flat out won. I think Shaq is in that group. It doesnt really matter what he does from here, win or lose, 6 trips to the finals is pretty incredible always as the best player. Cant really argue against that :)
He dominated HS, college and the NBA like no other player in the history of the NBA.
Good call on the total career combo. Kareem is the only player that I would list in my top-5, regardless of competition level. Only Oscar and Wilt come close, but Oscar wouldn't make my NBA top-5 and Wilt my College top-5.
Shaq is the single most dominating presence in the history of the NBA, when you take into account eras & competition. True, Shaq hasn't played a TON of all time great centers, but the overall center in the league has gotten bulkier & stronger overtime to the point where there are pretty much no thin mints for Shaq to bowl over.
The average center of the current era >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the average center of 20-30+ years ago in terms of strength/athleticism.
Damon Jones got paid, derrick fisher gots paid. Rick Fox, benefitted from prime shaq. Dood was a Bostonian journeyman...but found his niche, once he left for La/la laker and became a solid D player. Just some of the many example of-
- why, Everything!! the big Daddy touches, turns to gold. Antoine, whit Eboy, mamba...word is born.
That was just one block Ben Wallace got lucky that Shaq double pumped cause if Shaq goes up the first time he intended to then he dunks it before Wallace ever gets up to him. Regardless I hardy doubt that one block will make or break a mans legacy, especially Shaq's.
Last edited by AmazingWade : 06-03-2006 at 11:39 AM.
Shaq's LEGACY
