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Two different debates in the sport of the National Basketball Association (NBA) revolve around the 'GOAT' and all-time starting five. When it comes to picking the all-time starting five, the NBA community puts forth the names of the greatest players of all time.
What does Shaquille O'Neal's all-time starting five look like?
Some people look to rack up their starting five rosters with superstars and elite scorers and some go for scorers, facilitators and defenders. But there has been a debate after four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal picked his all-time starting five.
While talking to Sport Bild, O'Neal picked Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Julius Erving, Karl Malone and himself in his all-time starting five. O'Neal had two backcourt players in the form of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant and believes they deserve to be in the GOAT's debate. He also included the player who inspired him to become a basketball player, Dr. J.
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O'Neal picked Karl Malone as his partner in the front court and someone who is considered one of the best 4s of all time. But, excluding LeBron James from the list has sparked debate amongst the NBA community.
They don’t put my boy’s name in it: Shaquille O'Neal
The debate of who is the greatest player of all time in the NBA revolves around only two players, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. But, Shaquille O'Neal revealed he doesn't like how Kobe Bryant is excluded from the topic. While speaking on 'The Big Podcast' in May, O'Neal spoke about the GOAT debate.
"The only thing I don’t like about the [GOAT] conversation is that they don’t put my boy’s name (Kobe) in it. If you’re gonna be throwing names around, you gotta have my boy’s name in it," O'Neal said.
"That’s like saying, ‘What are the best luxury cars out there: Lexus or Beemer? You gotta put the Mercedes in there, too. Mike, LeBron, or Kobe, now y’all debate," O'Neal added.
During his playing career, Shaquille O'Neal revealed that players feared Michael Jordan and he heard the same thing regarding Kobe Bryant. But, he has never heard from current players that they fear LeBron James.
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