“Kareem Didn’t Invent the Skyhook and Shaq Isn’t the Most Dominant”: NBA Twitter Left in Shambles as Shaquille O’Neal Gets Compared to Tim Duncan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan are three of the best centers in the history of the NBA. However, Tim Duncan also got much of his recognition as a forward. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, being a center, has the most points in NBA history, which just proves the legendary career he had. 

Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan are more the part of the modern NBA than Kareem. Shaq and Tim made their debuts in the 90s. Both Shaq and Tim are in the top 15 on the list for most points. 

Tim Duncan, who was his most effective as a power forward, could also play as a center. Whereas for Shaq and Kareem, they were the centers who had immense offensive ability. But to pick one, bench one and cut one off your team is a tough decision.

Also read: Shaq shares about his relation with Kareem.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal or Tim Duncan?

Kareem had an average of 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists over the course of his career. 7th on the list for most points. Shaq had 23.7, 10.9, 2.5. 15th on that list. Duncan had 19.0, 10.8, 3.0. Although, it is difficult comparing the three legends based on numbers alone, one can consider the contribution each individual had on their teams. 

Either way, fans had diverse views on the question.

Well, this puts things in perspective. In terms of trophies, and individual awards, Kareem beats Shaq and Tim. Kareem spent 20 years in the NBA playing for Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. Both Shaq and Tim played for 19 years each. However, Shaq played for 6 different franchises, namely Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. On the other hand, Tim was with San Antonio Spurs for the entirety of his career.

The overall impact the three players have had over generations is exponential.

WATCH THIS STORY: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and other NBA players who have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

It actually is a very good debate. You would never fully know who, on a given day, would be dominant. The three legendary players of the NBA make the debate enticing, which just proves how good all of them were. Whether you choose Kareem or Shaq or Tim, one can not deny that each one of those three has had tremendous influence on basketball, inspiring many players in the NBA.