Shaquille O’Neal, Who Many Call the GOAT NBA Center, Says He Wasn’t as Good as Hakeem Olajuwon

Shaquille O’Neal recently made it to the 75th-anniversary team, which was honored by the NBA on Sunday. Shaq attended the NBA All-star game in Cleveland and joined a host of current and former NBA greats such as Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, LeBron James, among others.

During the ceremony, Shaq made an emotional speech in which he honored Hakeem Olajuwon, who also made it to the 75th-anniversary team.

Shaq has been regarded by many for revolutionizing the role of a center in the NBA. He was one of the most dominant players of his time and bossed the role of a center for around two decades.

However, Shaq, during his 4-minute speech, admitted that he wasn’t as good as former Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon. Hakeem, nicknamed The Dream, spent the majority of his career with Houston Rockets and won two championships.

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Shaquille O’Neal admits he wasn’t as good as Hakeem Olajuwon

Shaq attended the ‘NBA on TNT’ during the All-Star game on Sunday. During the show, he gave an emotional speech, where he gave a tribute to everyone who helped him in his career. He also admitted that Hakeem Olajuwon was a better center than him.

“It was a very emotional moment for me. Because the guys that are greater than me,” Shaq said.

“I can’t believe that I’m sitting next to him. You wanna look at myself play? I was not as good as Hakeem. I wasn’t even as good as Chief.”

Hakeem Olajuwon was drafted 1st overall by the Houston Rockets during the 1984 draft, ahead of Michael Jordan. He went on to play for the Rockets for 17 seasons, winning the championship twice. He also won the Finals MVP in both of the championship-winning seasons. Olajuwon was a dominant center and O’Neal’s statement wasn’t surprising.

Shaq, however, joined the NBA eight years after Hakeem and peaked during the latter’s twilight years. He then helped the Lakers win the historic three-peat of NBA championships alongside Kobe Bryant. After eight seasons with the Lakers, Shaq joined the Heat and won his fourth NBA championship.

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