“Can’t Do Nothing”: 7ft 1 Shaquille O’Neal Sends Charles Barkley ‘A Warning’ Over Hypothetical 1v1 Matchup with Tracy McGrady’s Message

Nandjee Ranjan | 19/07/2023
“Can’t Do Nothing”: 7ft 1″ Shaquille O’Neal Sends Charles Barkley ‘A Warning’ Over Hypothetical 1v1 Matchup with Tracy McGrady’s Message

Watching Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley go back and forth on live television is perhaps one of the most entertaining experiences for NBA fans. Over the years, they have proven to be the best TV duo in the NBA, thanks to their hilarious antics and seamless banter during the NBA on TNT show. However, Shaq and Chuck’s dynamic was not all fun and games when they played against each other back in the day. In fact, they were involved in one of the NBA’s most ugly fights during their playing years. Tracy McGrady, who is considered one of the best one-on-one players the NBA has ever seen, recently weighed in on Shaq and the Chuckster going against each other in a one-on-one contest. According to TMac, Barkley wouldn’t be able to guard the 7’1 Lakers legend for obvious reasons. 

Arguments between Barkley and Shaq about their career achievements are not unusual during the TNT broadcast. While Sir Charles often calls Shaq overrated, the Diesel brings up his Championships to one-up Barkley in the conversation. Barkley was a monster in his prime, even though perhaps not one like Shaq. However, the Round Mound of Rebound is still one of the greatest to ever step on the basketball court, despite not winning any Championships. But in a 1v1 game, Shaq clearly has the edge.

Shaquille O’Neal shares Tracy McGrady’s opinion to ‘warn’ Charles Barkley

Shaquille O’Neal recently shared a clip on his Instagram stories, where TMac can be seen addressing a 1-on-1 game between Charles Barkley and himself. McGrady didn’t even think twice before choosing Shaq over Barkley.

The former Houston Rockets star explained that Barkley would have a height disadvantage in the game against the most dominant player in NBA history. Here is what McGrady said,

You can’t guard that. That’s unguardable. Barkley is what 6’4, 6’5 against the power of 7’1, the most dominant player we have ever seen. Can’t do nothing about that.”

 

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In his prime, the Big Diesel was a monster in the paint. No matter who was defending Shaq inside the paint, the opposition feared absolute destruction. Despite Barkley being a decent post-up player, Shaq will surely dominate him in the paint in a 1v1 contest.

Shaq vs Barkley head-to-head stat sheet

Barkley and O’Neal have played a total of 19 games against each other, both regular and postseason combined. Of these 19 games, Shaq has won 11 against Barkley’s 8. Therefore, he has the edge over Charles in both regular and postseason wins. In matchups against each other, Shaq leads in points per game and blocks. However, in terms of rebounds, assists, and steals Barkley has the edge. The Big Aristotle averaged 25.8 points per game while Sir Charles averaged 22.7 points per game against each other. 

Post Edited By: Satagni Sikder

About the author

Nandjee Ranjan

Nandjee is an NBA writer currently working for Sportsrush. A LeBron James fan, he supports the Los Angeles Lakers and is a passionate basketball player. Sports has had an immense impact on his personal development since a very young age. He was a zonal level football player for three years, and his passion for sports has inspired him to write about it. He has a Master's in Political Science as well as Philosophy from Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, respectively. In his spare time, he loves to go on adventures and enjoys trekking.