Shaquille O’Neal has once again added his voice to the “GOAT” debate, but this time, he didn’t stop at basketball; instead, he went as far as other sports to list his greats. While some may view the list as interesting, others might see it as controversial as the list includes names that will certainly stir up heated conversations.
Big Shaq used his account on the popular social media platform Instagram to reshare the image of the GOATs. One category seemed to take most by surprise, LeBron James as the GOAT of basketball.
LeBron James has never been Big Shaq’s choice for the most contentious category in basketball. The title is usually contested by both supporters of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, and seeing Shaq posting James as the GOAT of Basketball must mean something.
The other sports category saw him choose Serena Williams over Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. While his NFL, track and boxing choices, Tom Brady, Usain Bolt, and Floyd Mayweather respectively are ok, one however, remains highly debatable to this day, Lionel Messi as the GOAT of football.
Messi distinguished himself as a football legend when he lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. But the list contains other worthy candidates in no particular order, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele, and Maradona.
Shaq’s sports GOATs (image via Shaq/Instagram)At the end of the day, sport’s GOATs are all subject to one’s personal preferences and the era in which one was born. And without any doubt, Shaquille O’Neal is entitled to his opinions and choices.
Shaquille O’Neal said he has never wanted to be basketball’s GOAT
Shaquille O’Neal had the best time as a pro basketball player, winning four NBA titles with the Lakers and the Miami Heat, but despite the fame and the glory that came with it, he claimed he wanted something other than being called the GOAT.
His admiration for Wilt Chamberlain made him the dominant player fans came to know and love, and instead of aspiring to be the greatest in the sport, he wanted to be the most dominant. He said in an interview with Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report:
When I was playing, I didn’t want to be the greatest player ever or the best player ever. Y’all pass it around too much. But you know what words you’re not passing around? The most dominant ever. It was only one at the time. Now there’s two. That’s it… I can live in that community. I can live in that residential area.
Shaquille O’Neal said
While there’s no argument that he was a dominating force during his time, he can also be counted as one of the greats to grace the beautiful game of basketball. Evident by his records and achievements, including having his jersey number retired by three teams.
