Lakers Legend Shaquille O’Neal Claims He Would Dominate Bucks Centerpiece Giannis Antetokounmpo

If there was ever a player that embodied the word dominance, it was Shaquille O’Neal. The ‘Big Aristotle’ was a freak of nature who struck fear in the eyes of his opposition. If you were ever defending Shaq in the low post, you knew you were done for. The big man’s strength and speed allowed him to amass more than 28,000 points in his career and earn four NBA championships.

Speaking of speed and strength, today’s NBA has another generational talent like Shaq. This is none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks’ frontman also possesses speed and strength, which allows him to dominate the opposition. In light of Giannis’ abilities, Shaq claimed that he would be able to dominate Giannis on the NBA floor.

Shaquille O’Neal vs Giannis Antetokounmpo

During a recent episode of ‘The Big Podcast with Shaq,’ the former Los Angeles Lakers star claimed that he would be able to dominate Giannis, had they both played during the same era. These claims came after Tracy McGrady explained the style of play during earlier eras. Unlike today, teams in earlier eras played tough defense and closed up the paint, making it tough to score inside. So Giannis, who relies on scoring in the paint, wouldn’t be able to dominate as Shaq did during those eras. This was when Shaq explained how he’d dominate Giannis.

“And that was always the strategy – to try to pull me out the paint. But you’re forgetting one thing, you still got to guard me at the other end,” said Shaq.

Lakers Kobe Bryant bumps chests with Shaquille O’Neal after O’Neal got fouled scoring in the first half during the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs at Staples Center Sunday April 21, 2002.Trailblazer Damon Stoudamire looks on from the left. Lakers won 95–87. (Photo by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

“So if I’m gonna do what I’m sayin’, he gonna be in foul trouble. He not gonna be to, you know, get that rhythm,” he explained.

“And, if he hittin’ a lot of threes, I’m just going to get mad, and I’m just going to dominate more in the paint,” he added.

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In Conclusion

Clearly, Shaq’s ability to dominate would serve him well in any era, especially in previous ones where the game was predicated on inside scoring. With plenty of experience in dominating the paint during these eras, it is quite clear that he would do the same against Giannis.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – Three-Point Shooting Over The Years (Stats valid as of 17th Feb 2022)

However, the Greek Freak’s game has developed over the years with him being able to hit jump shots, especially three-pointers. If this trait of his was to consistently improve, well, Shaq may have to one day take back his claim. Regardless of Shaq’s comments, the Bucks’ frontman’s future looks bright.

READ MORE: Shaquille O’Neal Once Caught The Rock Off Guard With a Taste of His Own Medicine

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