Getty
Shaquille O’Neal on Stephen Curry
The debate over the greatest player in NBA history has long centered on a familiar set of names. For years, comparisons between eras have fueled discussions involving legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, often leaving little room for others to enter the conversation.
However, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is looking to broaden that debate. Speaking on “The Pat McAfee Show“, O’Neal challenged the traditional framing of the GOAT discussion and added new names to his personal list. Alongside Jordan and LeBron, O’Neal included Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry, emphasizing Curry’s impact on the modern game.
“Yes, it’s unfair because the eras were different,” O’Neal said. “When you’re talking about that GOAT conversation, I would like to hear all the names… rather than just going Mike and LeBron… you’ve got to put Kobe in there… and now I’m standing here… you’ve got to put Steph Curry in there.”
Shaquille O’Neal, Stephen Curry and the GOAT Debate
GettyGolden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry
O’Neal’s comments focused heavily on how the game has evolved across generations. He argued that comparing players from different eras without context can be misleading, pointing to physicality, rules, and style of play as major differences.
“Try to put me up against a Wilt, his era versus my era,” O’Neal said, referencing Wilt Chamberlain. “Me personally, I think I would have completely dominated him. That’s why I like to break it down by eras.”
Despite that belief, O’Neal acknowledged that fans still gravitate toward a single all-time ranking. In that discussion, he made it clear that Curry’s resume and influence now warrant inclusion among the game’s elite.
O’Neal highlighted one key distinction when comparing Curry to other all-time greats. “The only thing Steph Curry has not done that those other guys have done is the finishing dunk,” he said. “But Steph Curry, behind that line, the impact is similar to a finishing dunk.”
That statement reflects Curry’s reputation as one of the most transformative players in NBA history, particularly for his three-point shooting and spacing. According to O’Neal, that unique skill set has reshaped how the game is played at every level.
Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Expanding the GOAT List
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan
While Jordan remains O’Neal’s personal choice as the single greatest player, he emphasized that limiting the conversation to just two names overlooks other historically significant careers.
By including Bryant, O’Neal pointed to a player who combined championship success with individual accolades and a distinctive style of play. Bryant’s five titles and two Finals MVP awards remain central to his legacy, particularly given his role both alongside O’Neal and later as a primary leader.
O’Neal’s inclusion of Curry further expands the discussion beyond traditional criteria such as size, athletic dominance, or scoring volume. Instead, it introduces the idea of influence and innovation as key factors in evaluating greatness.
His comments also reflect a broader trend in modern NBA discussions, in which players from different eras are increasingly evaluated by how they changed the game, not just by their statistical output or championship totals.
O’Neal concluded by reaffirming that multiple players deserve recognition in the GOAT conversation rather than narrowing it prematurely. “You definitely have to put him in the conversation of one of the greatest players of all time,” he said of Curry.
The remarks add another perspective to an ongoing debate that continues to evolve as new generations of players redefine the sport. While opinions vary widely, O’Neal’s list underscores the growing consensus that the GOAT discussion may no longer be limited to just one or two names, but instead includes a broader group of all-time greats whose impact spans different eras of basketball.
Debayan Biswas is a sports writer covering the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He focuses on breaking news, trades, and player stories. His work has been featured by Athlon Sports and Pro Football and Sports Network, with republication across platforms including Yahoo Sports and Yardbarker. More about Debayan Biswas
More Heavy on NBA
Loading more stories