A battle between legends of the era is a debate that finds absolution merely in NBA2k. However, despite the feasibility of a check, the debate finds itself a constant presence in the NBA community.
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Pundits, players, analysts, and fans all are culprits in engaging the contest between eras. And, it seems to have found its way to the social media profile of an NBA all-timer too.
Shaquille O’Neal is arguably the most dominant player not named Wilt Chamberlain to play basketball. The 4-time NBA champion was one of the faces of the league at his prime and was a true entertainer.
Now a pundit with the Inside the NBA crew, O’Neal continues to be a constant part of the NBA viewing experience. A week ago, The Big Diesel used his social media profile to spark life to the above-mentioned debate, yet again. This time, picking himself and two former teammates to win a 3-on-3 against Olajuwon, Jordan, and Bird.
And not just a win, a sweep in a seven-game series.
Shaquille O’Neal picks his 3 to sweep MJ, Hakeem, and Bird
Pick a duo to go along with Shaq to beat a trio of all-time greats isn’t an easy task. However, Superman seems to believe a pair of his former teammates is all he needs to sweep Jordan, Bird, and Hakeem.
The Big Diesel picked his three-peat co-star Kobe Bryant and his former Cavs teammate, LeBron James, to duel with MJ, The Dream, and Larry Legend. In O’Neal’s eyes, there is only one winner in this duel too.
Kobe and LeBron never really faced up against the opposing trio at their peak. O’Neal, however, did play MJ and Hakeem and endured big playoff losses against both of them. In light of that, it might seem like a “sweep” would be too strong a prediction.
But then again, we too are left with mere conjecture to settle this debate. Various comments seem to remind O’Neal of how Olajuwon “schooled” him during their battles, but The Big Diesel isn’t really one to back away in fear.
Is this a battle that is decided before the game as Superman claims? Yet another debate for the NBA fan to invest in.
How did Shaq fare in the league against MJ and Hakeem?
The regular season record lies heavily in Shaq’s favor, especially against Hakeem. However, a deeper glance tells a different story.
In Playoff appearances, O’Neal was dwarfed by Hakeem. A 5-3 record and a 32.8 points per game scoring record is proof of dominance if there ever was one.
Shaq and MJ on the other hand faced off only in 11 instances with MJ holding a slight upper hand. Jordan had a 64-point showdown on O’Neal’s Magic, however.
To have gone down and lost against the duo and to then claim a sweep over his rivals is big talk from the Big Diesel. But then again, what else may one expect, from Shaquille O’Neal?
