From his time at LSU to his professional career, Shaquille O’Neal reinvented the role of a center by demonstrating his unique physicality and skills. He made history as one of the most formidable players ever, with a special blend of size, strength, and agility. However, he’s taken on a new role following his retirement from the league. Now that he’s behind the mic, Shaq has his fair share of claims, which are often heavily criticized. His recent one has left fans fuming with rage as it disrespects a 3x league MVP who led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA championship in 1983.
‘Center’ has been a position of great significance throughout NBA history. Unlike the other positions, there are many legends of the game who have a genuine claim to be the greatest center of all time. From George Mikan to Nikola Jokic, the league has always been full of iconic big men. While who is at the mountain top is up for debate, there are a few who easily make the list of the greatest centers ever. However, O’Neal decided to leave a big one out.
Shaquille O’Neal leaves a 76ers legend off his list of all-time great centers
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The argument over who is the greatest center in NBA history always generates intense discussion among both fans and analysts. Most recently, Shaq offered his take on it. Topping the list was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. With his unstoppable skyhook, Kareem was the league’s all-time leading scorer until King James surpassed him a few months ago. He is followed by Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaq himself, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, and even Nikola Jokic. He welcomed the Joker to the ‘Big Man Alliance’.
However, a Philadelphia 76ers legend seemed to be missing from the list. And fans were certainly not happy with it. Shaquille O’Neal left Moses Malone off the list of all-time great centers which he shared on Twitter.
Malone was renowned for his dominating rebounding, scoring abilities, and physical presence. He won three NBA MVP awards and guided the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA title in 1983. To this day, it remains the last title the City of Brotherly Love has lifted. Malone is one of the most revered players in the history of the game due to his determination, work ethic, and all-around skill set. However, it seems like Shaq isn’t of the same opinion. Malone’s absence from the list clearly wasn’t well received.
NBA Fans react to the disrespect
Leaving Moses Malone off the all-time great centers list made many NBA fans angry. They took to Twitter to share their opinions on it. A fan commented, “Moses Malone. Patrick Ewing? Come on man.”
They clearly were disappointed that Ewing made it to the list, but Malone didn’t.
Moses Malone. Patrick Ewing? Come on man.
— JR Emlano (@jrfemlano) June 20, 2023
Other reactions include:
Moses Malone?
NBA Champion
Finals MVP
3 x MVP
12 x All-Star
8 x All-NBA
6 x Rebound Leader
2 x All-Defense
Averaged 31 & 15 one season pic.twitter.com/eE8zugTPs2— David Astramskas (@redapples) June 19, 2023
Moses Malone deserves to be on this list.
— Stephen Brooks (@Parkave211) June 19, 2023
Many were of the opinion that Ewing didn’t belong on the list.
Replace Ewing with Moses malone and ya got the top 8 centers
— Ryan Wolfson (@LIFEMANAGEMINT) June 19, 2023
How is Ewing on this list instead of Moses Malone, who even overlapped for like 10 years?
Moses won 3 MVPs, beat prime Kareem twice (81 and 83 playoffs) in dominating fashion, won a title and made 4 all nba 1st teams vs Ewings 1
— SportsFan (@nbasportsfan30y) June 19, 2023
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How Moses isn't on this list makes the list a joke.
— Campeão (@hldogg1) June 19, 2023
The argument about who the greatest center will continue as the NBA develops and new players come into the spotlight, ensuring that these outstanding players’ legacies live on as a perennial subject in basketball history.
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Do you agree with Shaq’s list? Let us know in the comments below!