What truly defines a GOAT in the NBA? Is it unstoppable scoring or elite playmaking? Is it raw talent or the relentless mindset of never giving up? Maybe it’s all of the above or maybe not. This debate never really ends, and every fan has their subjective definition. But when a GOAT himself like Shaquille O’Neal speaks, people listen (agree or not is a different issue). So when Shaq recently placed Steph Curry in the GOAT conversation, it invited both discussion and outrage. But guess what he said?

On Tuesday evening, Steph Curry once again put on a show at Madison Square Garden, leading the Golden State Warriors to a 114-102 win over the New York Knicks. He stuffed the stat sheet with 28 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and two steals while shooting 5-of-9 from deep. Believe, this guy knows how to win the hearts of his fans again and again. Because this vegetarian has not lost a single game at MSG in over a decade. From 2014 to 2025, still unbeaten. Crazy, right? And not surprisingly, Shaquille O’Neal was so blown away by Curry’s performance that he made a bold declaration during TNT’s post-game coverage.

The Hall of Famer demanded that fans start putting Curry in the GOAT conversation. “I demand you fans to start putting Steph Curry in that greatest of all time conversation,” Shaq said with conviction on the live show. 

And as always, the internet had something to say about it. When NBA on TNT shared the clip on Instagram with the comment, “Shaq did NOT mince words when talking about @stephencurry30 after the Warriors win 🗣️🐐” the comment section exploded. But the reactions? 

For any opinion, there will be a varied take, and this one is no different. Fans argued that his resume, while epic, doesn’t stack up against the usual GOAT suspects. Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a Curry love fest. Instead, fans were split, some fully backed Shaq’s take, while others weren’t ready to give Steph a seat at the GOAT table just yet. Some even took it a step further, calling Shaq’s demand so outrageous that they suggested he must be on d—. Some even took it a step further, personally going after Shaq for what they saw as an “absurd” take. But see what most fans have to say.

Fans’ mixed reaction to Shaq’s “GOAT” demand

It takes a big man to admit that a smallish guard belongs among the greatest ever and Shaquille O’Neal is, quite literally, a very big man. With decades of experience watching the NBA’s elite, Shaq knows what it takes to reach rarefied air. And in his eyes, Steph Curry has the championship pedigree to belong in the GOAT conversation.

Of course, not everyone disagreed. Some fans backed Shaq’s take. One user wrote, “Steph is top 10. I think if he wins a ring this year, he has a great argument for the top 5.” When you look at the numbers, that logic tracks. Shaq has four rings, LeBron James has four, and James is already in the GOAT discussion. So why not Steph?

Then there were the diehard Curry fans who took things even further. One went as far as ranking him in the top three, writing, “I have 1. MJ 2. Kobe 3. Steph.” A surprising take, but hey, every fan has their own criteria, right?

But while some were on board with Shaq, others completely shut it down. A user named @DavidDeRizzo bluntly stated, “I love Steph. He ain’t close to that though.” But let’s put things into perspective here. Los Angeles Lakers legend Elgin Baylor never won a single championship, despite reaching the Finals seven times. And yet, he’s still widely respected as one of the all-time greats. So if Baylor, with zero rings, earns GOAT consideration. So why can’t Curry, with four championships be in the conversation? At what point do the accolades, the influence, and the legacy finally tip the scales in Steph’s favor?

Another fan doubled down, writing, “NOPE!! He’s a team player, not a game changer on his own like the greats… STOP IT @shaq.” Well, It’s a strong take, but not entirely baseless. Steph Curry may not fit the traditional mold of a one-man wrecking crew, but his influence is not limited to just scoring. He leads the NBA in secondary assists, essentially the pass before the assist. It proves how he elevates his teammates just as much as he dominates individually.

And then, of course, came the extreme reactions, with one user flat-out dismissing Shaq’s take by writing, “GOAT convo? Shaq on drugs.” 

Yes, fans are entitled to have their opinion but they shouldn’t go for personal attacks. Maybe Shaq’s statement doesn’t necessarily mean he believes Curry is the undisputed No. 1 in NBA history. But if nothing else, it’s a reminder that the Warriors’ star has earned his place in the conversation. And love it or hate it, that debate isn’t slowing down anytime soon.