Stephen Curry vs Damian Lillard: Shaquille O’Neal’s Basketball IQ Lands Him in a Pool of Contradictions

Shaquille O’Neal‘s choices have become confusing now. The Los Angeles Lakers icon has immense love for three-point shooters. It is something in the modern NBA which has always surprised him. Two of his most favorite in the league are Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard. Off late, the 51-year-old has shown unconditional support to the Golden State Warriors star, but when it came to one aspect, he did not hesitate to choose Lillard over him. 

Shaq questioned himself something that the fans have always asked him about. On his newly released podcast he said, ” ‘You get double teamed, you kick it out. The game-winner, you going to throw it to Steph or you going to throw it to Dame?’ And I hate to even answer this question.” Big Diesel assured that he loved and respected them both, but he had to come to an answer. He continued, “Steph is the best shooter, but Dame Time is clutch at the shot. I’m going to have to go with Dame Lillard.”

Shaq justified his choice. “Steph Curry…I think he hits more of those shots moving. I’ve seen Dame hit a lot stand still, will just get in one position.” He also reminded Lillard’s series-winning shot against Paul George and the Thunders to cite it as an example. Shaq added, “I think playing with me, he will be able to catch it, step into the shot hit it”.

The 2000 MVP believes Curry needs a lot of dribbles to get into a rhythm, but Lillard can shoot a shot standing still. So does this not mean the Bucks guard can choose better shots? At the same time, Shaq’s decision is quite contradicting considering his bold takes about Curry in the last few months. 

Shaquille O’Neal’s blatant love for Stephen Curry 

For starters, Shaq did not even hesitate to put Curry above him on the all-time list. After Curry’s iconic performance against the Celtics last month, Shaq shared on TNT, “I’m wondering is it time to start putting him as the best player of all time?” When Kenny Smith asked Shaq if he would put Curry over him, the LA champion said, “Yes”. This doesn’t end here. He put Curry above another LA legend as well. 

Read more: Bol Bol’s Biggest Problem Helps Shaquille O’Neal Gain New Found Respect for Late Sergeant Father’s Tough Upbringing

He shared last year in his podcast, “You have to say he’s the best point guard ever.” When the host questioned if he would put Curry above Magic Johnson as the ‘GOAT PG’, Shaq said yes again. He believes the game has evolved. However, in his all-time starting five, he went on to put Johnson in the position of the guard. Choices like these are making it hard for the fans to understand Shaq. With that, he has now chosen Lillard over Curry. Does that make Dame Time the goat PG? 

Watch this story: “Who has reached 10,000 career points faster than Luka Doncic?”

What are your thoughts on Shaq’s latest take? Share it in the comments below.