Even though NBA players are superstars, not all of them are seen as “cool”. So, when the odd?cool?superstar comes along, he instantly changes the entire culture. Whether it be Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, or a select few more, these players’ cultural impact was supreme. But there was another player to transcend cultural and time impacts. As a result, apart from the common MJ-LeBron James debates, it is that man that Shaquille O’Neal took a special time to pay homage to.

Sporting an iconic afro, here’s the man Shaq calls the “GODFATHER OF GREATNESS”.

Shaquille O’Neal pays homage to Dr. J

Even though the ABA was an upstart league, questions about which league became prevalent because of the talent pool. While the NBA had been around for much longer, some of the greatest players in the game were instead choosing to sign with the “other” league.

As a result, the popularity of guys like Julius Erving made the merger a necessity for the league. However, Dr. J wasn’t a big fish in a small pond. After transitioning to the NBA, he was just as dominant. But, even more so, he was the personification of swagger.

With a bevy of moves in his arsenal, Erving made the game beautiful. Further, his ferocity and innovation made the dunk as popular as it is today. It was these qualities that Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaq took to heart. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 51-year-old made his stance on the matter clear.

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“There is much debate on who the greatest player in the NBA is. But, let us not forget this man @juliuserving paved the way for all of us. Salute to GODFATHER OF GREATNESS. #yallmustofforgot!! I didn’t.”?It isn’t the first time in recent months that the former Miami Heat star has shown his fandom for the 4x MVP. (3x ABA MVP and 1x NBA MVP)

However, an inclusion in the GOAT conversation? That is a special honor. However, it is a subject that he’s constantly given new answers to.

Shaquille O’Neal’s GOAT flip-flopping

While he was ardently on the Michael side of things, the death of Kobe Bryant brought a surprising change. Even though not arguing?the Black Mamba’s position, O’Neal made a clear effort to ensure his inclusion in the conversation.

Soon after, when LeBron was about to take sole possession of the all-time scoring record, Shaq made another prediction. His argument was there were no remaining holes to poke and LeBron would be recognized as the greatest. But with another new addition to his list, the mystery now becomes, who is Shaq’s GOAT?

Read More: The NBA Legend Who Changed the Game Even Before Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant Set Afoot

Let us know what you think about Shaq’s Dr. J shoutout in the comments below.