As Zion Williamson is constantly being compared to Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers legend reveals how Zion could possibly be better than him.
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The All-Star has recently been drawing comparisons to Shaquille O’Neal, the former Lakers legend who is considered to be the most dominant player ever.
When asked Shaq on his regards the same, the 7-foot-1 Hall-Of-Famer said how Williamson shouldn’t be affected by the comparisons. Shaq further added how Zion could even possibly be better than he ever was:
“It’s a, wouldn’t say it’s dishonour. But, it’s that, when you get compared to the greats. People see something in you. Now, I was taught that being great is about being super consistent.”
“Whenever I had two or three bad games in a row, I would get the call from the board, ‘hey man, what you’re doing? Great guys don’t do this, Kareem never had to be like.’”
“So, it should be out. He’s putting up good numbers, he’s playing hard, he’s playing well. I don’t think he should look at it as a disservice… He can possibly be better.”
Shaquille O’Neal wants Zion to look after him the way Shaq went after Wilt Chamberlain
Zion is a force to reckon with. He bullies all the defenders guarding him in the paint. Stan Van Gundy’s new change of playing Zion at the point guard position has seen a lot of success.
Earlier this past month, at just 20-years-old, the Pelicans star tied Shaq as the only players to have the longest streak (25 games) of 20+ points on 50% FGs. Being compared to a 15-time All-Star is certainly a big deal and no doubt a lot of added pressure.
O’Neal revealed he was happy that Zion has him to look up to. He further stated how he had a similar approach when he entered the league, wanting to be better than legend Wilt Chamberlain. Shaq revealed:
“I was going after one guy, Wilt Chamberlain, I wanted to break all his records. I beat him in championships, I wanted to beat him in points. So, I was going to arrogantly say, I’m Shaquille O’Neal, I’m the most dominant player ever.”
At just 20-years-old, Zion is already a global icon. All the expectations and hype Williamson had surrounding him during the draft, was all worth it.
This season, Williamson is averaging 26.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game on an underperforming Pelicans team. We could certainly be witnessing one of an all-time great player in this 280-pound beast.
