Shaquille O’Neal, during his prime, was an unstoppable force on the basketball court. Standing at 7’1″ and weighing over 300 pounds, he combined size with agility. Opponents found it nearly impossible to contain him, as he dominated both ends of the floor. His presence in the paint was intimidating, often altering shots and commanding double teams. When you’re causing even legends like Dikembe Mutombo to struggle, you know you’re special. The compilation of him tearing down the backboards in the 90s shows his sheer size advantage. He even caused the NBA to change the rim designs. So, when the spotlight shifts, so do alliances—and in the world of basketball legends, even loyalty can pivot like a quick crossover. Marcus Camby, once vocal about bias, has now passed the ball to Shaquille O’Neal, turning criticism into unexpected camaraderie.

Now you know, Marcus Camby, who’s a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is also an admirer. Earlier this year, he spoke on the challenge of facing ‘The Big Aristotle’! Reflecting on his career, Camby stated, “Well, the toughest competitor I went up against was definitely Shaq.” When even a defender of the calibre of Camby states someone as being hardest to defend, it goes to show just how difficult it must have been to match up against O’Neal at the time. Not only that, but he even claimed, “I mean, that’s probably everyone’s answer for that.” So, according to him, every player from Shaq’s era would agree to his statement at the least. Well, one 7x NBA champion would certainly be in agreement with that.

In a recent episode of “Nightcap,” Shannon Sharpe and Robert Horry delved into what made Shaq so formidable. Besides this, Horry also recounted how a referee once overlooked fouls against Shaq due to his size. He recalled how once Shaq got fouled and instead of calling it, the referee just ignored it. He remembered, “He’s like, ‘oh, he’s too big, he should be able to handle that’. I’m like, dude, it’s a freaking foul.” Horry recalled, immediately getting off the court as he predicted, “He’s gonna start elbowing people, and you can tell when he got frustrated because he’d do that spin.” The former champion ended his statement with how he would pick Shaq any day. 

Sharpe emphasized O’Neal’s unique combination of size and agility, noting, “You’re never going to see a guy his size with that kind of agility.” Horry agreed and recalled the 1999-2000 season when Shaq was at his peak. According to Horry, ” I could take the 2000, the 1999-2000 Shaq, the MVP Shaq and have him, that Shaq and put him on, that’s my first person.” Well, to him, if he were to make a dream team, Shaq would be his first pick. What’s more? He would even ditch Kareem and Jordan for Shaq.

Horry’s flip‑flop: From praising Hakeem to anchoring Shaq at center stage

It’s interesting hearing Robert Horry picking Shaquille O’Neal now, when it was just recently when he had called Hakeem to be better. What’s more? Horry has shared locker rooms with both players! So, ever wondered which center truly reigned supreme? According to Horry, “Hakeem was better. Shaq was more dominant, but Hakeem was better.” That’s a bold claim from a seven-time champ. Yet it opens the debate freshly, doesn’t it?

So what tipped the scales for Horry? He praised Olajuwon’s complete skill set. He noted, “I think Dream had more talent. Shaq had handles, but Dream had a little bit better handles. Dream could shoot free throws, and we all know about Shaq’s free throws. He had a fadeaway. Shaq was just brute strength, just dunk on you and get out of the way.” That contrast really paints the picture.

Still, Shaq’s power forced everyone to pay attention. In his words: “Shaq is so freakin’ dominant… You would have to go in the lab and make a player to guard him.” Can you imagine facing that beast each night? It makes you respect his era even more.

Horry’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the unique strengths each player brought to the game. While Shaq would use his physical advantage to overwhelm the opponents, Hakeem had his comprehensive set of skills to rely on. Because of those, he appears to be more well-rounded than Diesel. And Shaq’s poor free-throw skills are something that is well known and puts him at a disadvantage in front of Hakeem.

In the end, Horry’s take highlights basketball’s varied roads to greatness. Isn’t it intriguing how power and skill both carve legends? His firsthand stories give us a whole new way to appreciate the game.