Shaquille O’Neal Surprisingly Places Allen Iverson Ahead of Close Friend Charles Barkley in THIS Debate

11-time All-Star Allen Iverson is often regarded as one of the best shooting guards of the game. The 14-year NBA veteran won everything that any NBA player dreams of, except for the NBA championship. But that doesn’t take away the fact that he is one of the most influential players in the game’s history. Another great of the game, Shaquille O’Neal, also feels that ‘AI’ was the toughest player in the NBA.

Allen Iverson spent most of his career at the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sixers retired his jersey no. 3 after his retirement. A four-time scoring champion and three-time steals leader, many rate AI as the greatest player ever to never win a championship.

Shaquille O’Neal has joined the list of people who believe that. In a recent interview, Shaq placed Allen Iverson ahead of his friend Charles Barkley in terms of the toughest guard in the NBA.

Shaquille O’Neal places Allen Iverson ahead of close friend Charles Barkley

Shaquille O’Neal appeared on a recent episode of ‘Scoop B Radio‘. In the conversation, Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson asked Shaq about “The greatest guy never to win a championship?” To this, Shaq replied: “A.I.”

Scoop B then asked Shaq about the “Toughest little guard ever?” and “Toughest to guard?” And to everyone’s surprise, Shaquille O’Neal picked Allen Iverson ahead of Charles Barkley.

Anyone would have guessed that Shaq’s answer would be Charles Barkley. However, to everyone’s surprise, Shaq feels Allen Iverson is the greatest player to never win an NBA title.

1993 NBA MVP Charles Barkley played for three different teams in the NBA during his career. He featured 13 times in the playoffs in his 16-year-old NBA career. However, he failed to win a ring in his career and had to settle for the Olympic Gold as his greatest team achievement.

There are no right or wrong answers to who is the greatest player to never win an NBA title. Charles Barkley was a different beast altogether and was an important member of the ‘Dream Team’ that won the Olympic Gold. To lead the scoring charts for a team that is touted by many as the greatest ever is a monumental achievement in itself.

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