Shaquille O’Neal, a legend with four NBA championships and three Finals MVPs, has always been known for his larger-than-life personality and dominant play in the paint. In a recent conversation with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, Shaq shared his perspective on how today’s centers have evolved.
The Hall of Famer began by acknowledging the shift in the game, particularly the rise of big men who can shoot and stretch the floor. “I hear people say, ‘Oh, big guys can shoot,’” O’Neal said. “The game is evolving.”
In Shaq’s era, dominance in the paint was key for a center. He ruled with power, using physicality to control the post and make his presence known. But today’s NBA is a different animal. Centers like Nikola Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns are shooting three-pointers, making plays, and even initiating fast breaks.
“It’s a new era, new generation,” Shaq continued. “I can’t tell them how to play, I can’t tell them what to do. I can give them hints every now and then on how to make the game easier.”
Despite the game changing, Shaq acknowledged that his era had its own style. He reflected on how a player like himself wouldn’t have brought the ball up the court in the Finals. He explained that high-percentage shots, like those from the paint, are crucial for winning championships. “The team that shoots the highest percentage from the free throw line, or field goal percentage from the 3, is the team that always wins,” Shaq stated.
