Shaquille O’Neal has never been shy about critiquing today’s NBA. The Hall of Fame center — a four-time champion and one of the most dominant forces the league has ever seen — regularly challenges modern big men to play with more force and authority. Backed by a résumé that includes an MVP award, three straight Finals MVPs, 15 All-Star appearances, and more than 28,000 career points, Shaq speaks from experience.
But while he’s often critical, he’s also quick to give credit where it’s due.
Appearing recently on the expediTIously podcast with Tip “T.I.” Harris, O’Neal shared his personal Top 5 players who influenced him the most — not necessarily the greatest ever, but the ones who shaped his evolution as a player and competitor.
First on his list was Julius Erving, better known as Dr. J.
“He was smooth,” Shaq said, recalling how he first saw Erving in The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh. “I didn’t even know Dr. J was a player.” That discovery sparked curiosity — and fandom. Erving’s flair and creativity captured young Shaq’s imagination.
Next came Magic Johnson.
“I’m like, who’s this Magic Johnson dude? 6’9” and can dribble?” Shaq said. Seeing a tall player handle the ball inspired him to expand his own game. For a moment, he envisioned himself as a jumbo-sized playmaker.
But that idea didn’t last long.
Shaq’s father redirected him toward modeling his dominance after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar instead. “Nope, you can’t Magic,” his father told him. “You and Kareem are similar.” From there, the blueprint was clear: size, power, precision — and unstoppable dominance in the paint.
Then came the obvious choice: Michael Jordan.
“M.J. was the man,” Shaq admitted. “Mike is the GOAT.” O’Neal proudly reminds people that he was the last player to eliminate Jordan from the playoffs — referencing the Orlando Magic’s 1995 series win over the Chicago Bulls. It’s a bragging right he still cashes in on, joking that it wins him bets in barbershops.
Rounding out his list was Stephen Curry — a nod to the modern era.
“What he’s done for the game…” Shaq said, acknowledging Curry’s transformational impact. The deep three-pointer revolution, the spacing, the confidence from anywhere on the floor — Curry reshaped how basketball is played at every level.
The list, however, sparked debate for who wasn’t included.
Notably absent were Kobe Bryant and LeBron James — two superstars who were directly tied to Shaq’s career. O’Neal and Bryant formed one of the most dominant duos in NBA history, winning three straight championships with the Lakers from 2000 to 2002. Meanwhile, Shaq joined forces with a young LeBron in Cleveland during the 2009–10 season, though that partnership didn’t produce a title run.
Still, Shaq clarified there was “no disrespect” to those he left off. His list wasn’t about accolades — it was about influence.
From Dr. J’s style to Magic’s versatility, Kareem’s dominance, Jordan’s greatness, and Curry’s revolution, each name reflects a phase of Shaq’s basketball journey.
Love him or debate him, when Shaq makes a list, the basketball world listens.