NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal‘s love for the three-point shooting maestro Stephen Curry is well-documented. He has consistently showered praise on the 4-time NBA Champion on numerous occasions. However, this time he turned it up a notch. The Golden State Warriors were able to hold off inter-conference rivals Boston Celtics in an overtime 132-126 overtime thriller, thanks in part to the Chef‘s 33-point performance. The game had narrowed down to a single point, just when Curry saved the day with his clutch three-pointer and put the game to bed with his “night night” celebration.

Following the game, Shaq claimed that Steph belongs to the GOAT conversation, even going as far as to say that he has outshone him during his own Hall of Fame career. This didn’t sit well with many people, who thought this was a rather bold assertion. One of them is NBA legend Gilbert Arenas, who thought Shaq was overstating the truth.

Gilbert Arenas calls cap on Shaq’s statements

During the recent Nightcap livestream, Gilbert Arenas stated that Shaq was trying to be humble when he made his statements about Curry surpassing him. Gilbert adds that Shaq has changed the game, The Big Aristotle had people in the league drafting big guys, just based on size, only so they could find a solution to guard him. He was so dominant as a center, that the teams had players defending him from three sides. And for Shaq to state that Curry has had a greater impact than him seems a bit of an exaggeration. “When he saying he’s putting Steph in front, I know he’s lying,” said Agent Zero.

For Gilbert, the GOAT debate does not include the number of accolades one has amassed through their career. Michael Jordan had one championship when the world hailed him as the GOAT. Therefore, the discussion depends on the magnitude of impact one has had on basketball and the culture. LeBron is the only one that has managed to challenge that throne.  Therefore, while Curry has changed the basketball landscape with his 3-point shooting, according to Arenas, he is still not a threat to the GOAT crown.

But let’s take a look at why Shaq thinks Stephen Curry belongs to the GOAT conversation.

Stephen Curry earns the highest esteem from Shaq

The Hall of Famer had an interesting reaction to Stephen Curry’s 33-point eruption. Not only did he claim that Curry is his favorite player to watch, but he went as far as to say that in his 20 years of playing in the league and 20 years watching basketball before that, he has never seen someone do it like Steph. Not only is he a great shooter, but has been consistent with his performance throughout and has championships to show for it.

Read More: Should Stephen Curry Be in the GOAT Conversation as Shaquille O’Neal Suggests?

He then asked the fans, “I’m wondering if it’s time to put him [Curry] as the best player of all time.” When asked whether he’d put Steph over himself, O’Neal replied with a firm “Yes.”

Do you agree with Shaq’s comments that Curry belongs to the GOAT conversation? Or do you think it was a stretch?  Let us know in the comments!

WATCH THIS STORY – Shaquille O’Neal’s Glaring Error in Rare Talent Flex Immediately Exposed by Angel Reese