It’s no surprise Shaquille O’Neal has an impressive list of career achievements, but for NBA insiders, there’s something that stirs just as much talk as his rings: Shaq’s so-called “G-14 classification.” This fictional badge of honor, coined by O’Neal himself, isn’t for just anyone. According to Shaq, it’s reserved for athletes who have demonstrated their abilities and success at every level of their career. Even Charles Barkley, his longtime colleague on Inside the NBA, hasn’t made the cut. But recently, Shaq surprised everyone by adding a new name to his exclusive club: Matt Barnes. And the reason?

Shaq’s The Big Podcast clip, shared by All the Smoke, sheds light on why Barnes made the list. O’Neal admits, “I played with Matt… I like guys that play hard. I like guys that don’t take no s**t.” And true to form, Barnes has always been known for his fierce on-court presence and undeniable drive. Shaq’s fondness grew when Barnes joined his team, often sinking the clutch shots and always “making the right play.”

Off the court, the Lakers legend also appreciates his easygoing nature, saying simply, “He’s cool off the court.” It’s clear: in Shaq’s eyes, Barnes has grit and that ever-elusive “G-14 quality.” Beyond basketball, O’Neal sees a shared journey in Barnes’ story. “(I) Know his family. Know the things he’s been through. He knows the things I’ve been through.” It’s clear their bond goes beyond basketball, rooted in mutual respect and shared experiences.

Interestingly, even Stephen Jackson got the G-14 classification due to similar reasons. But not everyone gets this stamp of approval. When Shannon Sharpe criticized Shaq’s antics during the MVP ceremony for Nikola Jokic, Shaq fired back, saying Sharpe had “Not enough G-14 classification to speak to me.” O’Neal’s G-14 label isn’t just a joke; it’s a marker for those who meet his standards.

In the end, Shaquille O’Neal’s G-14 classification isn’t official, but in his world, it’s as real as any honor. And for those in the club, like Barnes, it’s a rare badge of respect from a legend.

The origins of Shaquille O’Neal’s “G-14 classification”

It all goes back to the 1998 classic Rush Hour. The movie’s Agent Carter, played by Chris Tucker, is assigned a case with an absurd clearance level, the infamous “G-14 classification,” just to keep him out of trouble. Though it started as a joke, Shaq took that concept and made it his own.

Now, the term “G-14” has become part of Shaq’s unique vocabulary. Sure, it’s comedic at its core, but O’Neal’s serious tone when using it adds a layer of mystique. His “G-14” criteria seem to be reserved for a select few players who, in his eyes, have earned the right to comment on his level.

While many assume Shaquille O’Neal only recently adopted the phrase, he’s been using it for years. Back in 2017, Shaq shut down Kevin Durant for criticizing his treatment of JaVale McGee, saying, “KD doesn’t have G-14 classification…He’s a great player, but you ain’t in the club yet.” The message was clear – only championship-level icons get to sit at Shaq’s table.

Ultimately, Shaq’s “G-14 classification” seems to be his way of keeping a bit of distance from those he considers less accomplished. His mastery of the sport is undeniable, but his use of this insider tag sometimes comes across as Shaq flexing his superiority. Just a touch.