Shaq Adds New Star To NBA GOAT Conversation
Shaq Adds New Star To NBA GOAT Conversation
Shaquille O’Neal has made a powerful statement advocating for Stephen Curry’s inclusion in basketball’s greatest of all time (GOAT) conversation. The NBA Hall of Famer believes Curry deserves to be mentioned alongside Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James when discussing basketball’s elite historical figures.
Speaking on TNT after a Warriors victory over the Knicks, O’Neal was emphatic in his assessment: “I demand you fans to start putting Steph Curry in that greatest of all time conversation.”
What makes O’Neal’s perspective particularly compelling is his direct experience with these basketball legends. He competed against Jordan, won championships with Bryant, and both played with and against James.
“I played against Mike, played with Kobe, played against and with LeBron. They’re all great But at some point, we’re going to have to put Steph Curry in that category. I’m not saying he is, but let’s just have the conversation,” O’Neal added.
“I like all the internet talk and the barbershop talk, but I ain’t never seen nothing like that before, and nobody has. And how many thangs he got? One, two, three, four, against LeBron. I demand that people start putting my guy in that conversation, period.”
Curry’s credentials for GOAT consideration are substantial. His basketball résumé includes:
- 4× NBA Champion
- 2× NBA MVP (including the only unanimous selection)
- 2022 Finals MVP
- 11× NBA All-Star
- 10× All-NBA Team selections
- Greatest shooter in basketball history
Beyond statistics, Curry has revolutionized basketball in unprecedented ways. His extraordinary shooting range has forced defenses to extend well beyond the three-point line, fundamentally changing how teams approach the game. This transformation of basketball strategy represents an impact few players have achieved.
At 36 years old, Curry continues performing at an elite level, averaging over 24 points per game while maintaining excellent efficiency. His sustained excellence mirrors the late-career production of other all-time greats like James, Durant, and Jordan. This longevity strengthens his case for GOAT consideration.
The Warriors’ resurgence with Curry at the helm demonstrates his ongoing impact. Currently holding the Western Conference’s sixth seed, Golden State remains a dangerous playoff threat largely because of Curry’s brilliance and leadership.
Traditional GOAT debates have typically centered around physically dominant players or versatile forwards. This partly explains why Curry, despite his revolutionary impact, has sometimes been overlooked in these discussions. His profile as a smaller guard who excels from the perimeter doesn’t match conventional GOAT criteria.
This perspective fails to acknowledge Curry’s winning impact. His Warriors teams have defeated LeBron-led squads in three NBA Finals, and he was the centerpiece of the 73-win team that set the regular season record. These achievements speak to his ability to translate his unique skills into championship success.
The Evolution of the GOAT Discussion
| Traditional GOAT Criteria | Curry’s Challenge to Tradition |
|---|---|
| Physical dominance | Skill and shooting precision |
| Scoring volume | Efficiency and gravity |
| Individual dominance | Team elevation and culture |
| Defensive prowess | Offensive revolution |
Critics who dismiss Curry as “just a shooter” fundamentally misunderstand his game. His court vision, finishing ability, and defensive improvements complement his transcendent shooting. More importantly, he’s proven that a guard-centered approach can build a dynasty.
O’Neal’s advocacy for Curry reflects a broader shift in how basketball greatness is evaluated. The sport continues to evolve, and with it, so must our criteria for identifying its greatest practitioners. Curry may not possess Jordan’s aerial acrobatics or LeBron’s physical dominance, but his impact on winning and transformation of the game demand recognition.
Whether Curry ultimately ranks above Jordan, James, Bryant, or other legends remains subjective. What’s increasingly clear is that any serious discussion of basketball’s greatest players must include the Warriors’ point guard. His unique brilliance has earned him that place in basketball history.
Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
