Confessing Jealousy of Jordan, Magic and Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal Makes Wishful Steph Curry-Trae Young Claim

Shaquille O’Neal is hands down the most dominant player in NBA history. He is a 4-time Champion, 3-time Finals MVP, and a Hall of Famer. But it took Shaq eight seasons to win his first ring. While Shaq was trying to find a way to translate his talent into championships, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley were wreaking havoc on the league. And that made the 7-footer extremely jealous.

The Lakers legend confessed his jealousy of MJ, Barkley, and Magic early in his career and made a wishful Stephen Curry-Trae Young claim.

Shaq reveals what motivated him as a player

Shaquille O’Neal was a guest on the From The Point Podcast hosted by Trae Young. During the episode, Shaq made an honest confession about what motivated him when he entered the league. “I was a guy that jealousy always made me go to the next level,” Shaq said. Although Diesel was the first pick in the 1992 NBA draft, he was jealous of the love legends like Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Magic Johnson got from the fans. Watching these legends do something he wanted to, motivated him to improve his game and be more dominant.

The Lakers legend revealed that his jealousy trait still runs strong. He admired Trae Young, Stephen Curry, and Damian Lillard’s shooting ability and made a wishful claim. “When I watch him (Trae Young), Steph, and Dame, I wish I had that.” Shaq called the three superstars his favorite players in the league because they can do what he wished he could. The 4-time Champion hilariously claimed that he plays with Trae, Steph, and Dame whenever he plays NBA 2K.

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How would Shaq fit in the modern NBA?

Superstars like Trae Young, Stephen Curry, and Damian Lillard have revolutionized the game of basketball. Every team today gives their players a green light to shoot as many threes as they want as long as they make them. That has led the league to become more three-pointer dominant, leaving the fans wondering how Shaq would fit in the modern NBA. Shaq was an abysmal shooter and scored most of his points inside the paint. He used his 7’1 frame and physicality to bully his defenders. Many believe Shaq would have to adjust to today’s game to be successful.

In reality, the game would have to adjust to Shaq’s dominance. If any team had a player like Shaq in today’s era, they would merge old-school basketball into their playing style. No player would be able to guard Shaq inside the paint, and he would have a field day protecting the rim. People forget that Shaq was not just a big man. He was a Center with great athleticism and agility. Shaq would use those abilities just like Giannis Antetokounmpo does against his opponents.

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