"He's the only player to lead a 3-peat, other than Michael Jordan, since Bill Russell's Celtics in the '60s" - Chris Broussard argues about Shaquille O'Neal's ranking in Nick Wright's top 50 list
Chris Broussard offered an interesting take on the placements of Hakeem Olajuwon and Shaquille O'Neal in Nick Wright's list of top 50 players. Broussard was of the opinion that O'Neal deserved a higher position on the list.
Wright placed O'Neal in the ninth position, while Olajuwon occupied the eighth spot. Speaking on "First Thing First", Chris Broussard acknowledged Olajuwon's greatness, but insisted he should not be placed ahead of O'Neal.
"With all due respect to the great Hakeem Olajuwon, he should not be ahead of Shaquille O'Neal. A lot of people will point to the '95 Finals, when Hakeem definitely outplayed Shaq and they swept the Orlando Magic. But Shaq was a baby. It was his third year in the league."
Broussard also highlighted the fact that O'Neal had led his side to three consecutive NBA titles.
"Shaq is the architect, or the leader, the bus driver, as Barkley might call him. He's the only player to lead a 3-peat, other than Michael Jordan, since Bill Russell's Celtics in the 60s. That has to speak for something."
He ended his segment by comparing the playing styles of the two:
"Hakeem - better defender, shot blocker, better rebounder than Shaq. But Shaq was obviously a much better scorer."
"With all due respect to the great Hakeem Olajuwon, he should not be ahead of Shaquille O'Neal. ... Shaq is the only player to lead a 3-peat, other than Michael Jordan, since Bill Russell in the 60s." — @Chris_Broussard https://t.co/16Qcwq7vnS
Chris Broussard highlights Shaquille O'Neal's legacy
While Hakeem Olajuwon was possibly one of the most skilled centers of all time, Shaquille O'Neal was an absolute beast. Widely regarded as the most dominant force in the game, O'Neal was a physical specimen who could not be stopped once he gathered a head of steam.
Considering his strength and athleticism as well as his innate understanding of the game, O'Neal is undoubtedly one of the greatest centers in the game.
22 years ago today, @SHAQ gave us one of the most disrespectful posters of all time 🤭
(via @Lakers)
https://t.co/JQhpGcZRBI
Both players had their own strengths and weaknesses and an argument can be made for either to be placed above the other.