NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has now compared Patrick Beverley with another NBA legend Dennis Rodman. The ‘Worm’ was one of the best defenders and rebounders ever. Because of his versatility, he could guard every position on the hardwood. And he had the desire to be one of the best defenders. Not everyone can boast that they stopped a prime O’Neal but Rodman can. Shaq and Rodman have had some fiery exchanges over the course of their careers. They were even teammates during Rodman’s short stay with the Los Angeles Lakers.

So the legendary center knows a thing or two about Rodman. In the latest episode of ‘The Big Podcast with Shaq’, O’Neal talked about how the Lakers could line up next season. Shaq said that he thinks the Lakers’ new acquisition, Patrick Beverley, would start for them next season. Co-host Nischelle Turner was shocked to hear this from him.

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However, Shaq made his stance clear. He said that Beverly would be in the starting five for defensive purposes. Shaq said, “Listen, he is a defensive wizard. He can get rid of the ball. He can get people involved.” And NFL veteran Spice Adams could not control his laughter.

Shaquille O’Neal compares Rodman and Beverley?

Nischelle Turner was surprised to hear Shaq say that Beverley is a “defensive wizard.”?She then added that she has a problem with Beverley’s style of play. Turner said, “I mean you all I have a problem with the way he plays… Because I think that he is a cheap shot artist.”?

Then Shaq asked, “So hold on Nischelle. You hate Patrick Beverley but you love Dennis Rodman?” Turner replied that she doesn’t hate Beverly but just hates the way he plays. She added that she thought Rodman played hard. However, the ‘Big Diesel’ seem to disagree with her. He said, “They are the same dudes!”

Rodman was a rebounding machine at a time when the league was dominated by tall and powerful centers. As a 6’7″ power forward he led the league in rebounds for a mindboggling 7 straight seasons. Rodman won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award for two straight seasons in 1990 and 1991. He helped the Detroit Pistons defeat NBA legend Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls and then win two straight titles in 1989 and 1990. Furthermore, he averaged 13.1 rebounds per game in 911 career games.

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Patrick Beverley is a good defender who could help LeBron James and the Lakers. However, it would be interesting to see how Beverley and Russell Westbrook would play alongside each other.