The GOAT debate is a never-ending one, but that does not stop fans around the world from indulging in it. Since most tend to select their favorite players as the GOAT, there is always a lot of passion involved in these discussions. That can be the case when NBA legends give their take as well. Many consider All-Time great Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player ever. While some NBA legends refrain from picking the GOAT, Shaquille O’Neal boldly declared his choice for the GOAT of the NBA, along with a top 5 list, which he claimed was ‘objective’.

O?Neal himself would be a viable option for many fans in the GOAT debate. The four-time NBA champion was one of the best centers ever and arguably the most dominant player ever. Over the course of his career, Shaq has won almost every accolade there is to win in basketball. Therefore, it’s not easy to dismiss his top-5 list, which starts with a Philadelphia 76ers legend.

Shaquille O’Neal picked his top-5 while addressing the GOAT debate

Shaquille O’Neal sat down with Ahmad Rashad for a 30-minute segment which was recently uploaded by a fan channel on YouTube. During the show, Shaq opened up about a variety of interesting things from his childhood, NBA career, business, etc. In one instance, Rashad asked the Los Angeles Lakers legend for his top-5 players.

Shaq’s first pick would surprise many, it was 76ers legend Julius Erving. It can be argued Shaq considers the Philadelphia 76ers legend as one of the GOATs since he selected him first.

O’Neal said, “A lot of people don’t put this guy in it but I have to out of respect, Dr. J.”?However, his second choice was Jordan. He continued, “Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.“

Interestingly, the 2000 NBA MVP did not put himself on the list despite the host suggesting that he can. So a confused Rashad asked whether O’Neal is the sixth player.

Shaq had a very humble response saying that he is not and added that he is definitely in the top 20 or top 10. The four-time NBA champion then clarified that his lists are very objective and he does not want people to think that he is offending anyone.

READ MORE – ?Your Momma Ain?t Gonna Eat?: Shunning Alcohol Habit That Once Tortured His Mother, Shaquille O?Neal Resurfaces Recent Comments Only To Double Down on His Belief

O’Neal is a huge fan of Julius Erving

This was not the first time Shaquille O’Neal has shown his love for Julius Erving. He was a huge fan of Erving growing up and has tried to emulate some of Dr. J’s moves during his high school games. So, like most fans, Shaq picked his childhood hero first.

WATCH THIS STORY – Shaquille O? Neal Getting Slapped by Kevin Hart in the Head at the Superbowl and Other Rib Tickling Moments from the Duo

He once noted that superstars like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are great but Erving was the one who actually started it. O’Neal also wanted the world to know that. Furthermore, he even said that he would not be where he is if it wasn’t for Erving.