Shaquille O’Neal left an indelible mark during one of the NBA’s most competitive eras. His towering legacy earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame. Consequently, he joined the ranks of basketball legends. Though often critical of the current era, Shaq acknowledges the elite talent of certain players. Notably, he recently identified three players as future Hall of Famers. To everyone’s surprise, one name stood out.
During the Big Podcast, Adam Lefkoe engaged Shaquille O’Neal in a conversation about which current NBA players deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame, excluding LeBron James. Before offering his choices, he made an interesting distinction, noting two types of Hall of Fame: the ‘m*********r Hall of Fame’ and the traditional Hall of Fame based on accolades. Then, he added “I would have to go with Curry, Giannis (Antetokounmpo), and Joker (Nikola Jokic),” Shaq O’Neal said.
Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokic’s names appeared predictably. Yet, Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s inclusion surprised many. It is not due to a lack of talent, but because fans often overlook his work. The Greek star has ranked among the league’s best during nine years and consistently entered the MVP discussions. Besides, he maintained three consecutive seasons with over 30 points per game, showcasing his impressive talent. However, his single NBA championship ring limits his recognition.
Besides, Shaquille O’Neal cast doubt on Jayson Tatum‘s future induction into the Hall of Fame. This skepticism persists despite his multiple All-Star selections and an NBA championship under his belt. He often receives criticism due to his lack of alpha leadership quality. The Boston Celtics star repeatedly expressed his frustration, claiming that if another player accomplished what he has, they would be indispensable in discussions about the league’s best.
Stephen Curry has reignited the debate over who truly defines this era of basketball, him or LeBron James. He has spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors and won four NBA championships with the franchise. Curry also made history as the greatest three-point shooter the league has ever seen. On top of that, he won two MVP awards, which confirmed his place among the best players of his generation.
Meanwhile, many still view LeBron James as the most dominant force of this era. He continues to appear in the GOAT conversation alongside Michael Jordan. LeBron owns four MVPs and four championships, but his legacy goes far beyond that. In fact, he reshaped the league’s culture and influenced a new generation of players. Without a doubt, both stars will earn their place in the Hall of Fame.