Stephen Jackson has reignited the debate on the NBA’s all-time greatest players by creating a top 10 list that includes multiple legendary big men, garnering notable appreciation from Shaquille O’Neal. Jackson revealed his list on The Big Podcast with Shaq, where the conversation quickly shifted to the often-overlooked role of dominant centers and power forwards. Shaquille O’Neal, himself a giant on the court and on Jackson’s list, took a moment to thank Stephen Jackson, underscoring the significance of his ranking for NBA big men across eras.
During their conversation, Shaquille O’Neal voiced his frustration over how conversations about the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) typically favor guards or smaller players, neglecting the impact of towering legends. “Whenever people talk about the GOATs, the focus always shifts toward the smaller guys,” Shaquille O’Neal pointed out, hinting that big men like six-time MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar don’t always get their due credit. This opened up a reflective moment for Stephen Jackson, who, unlike many, included five big men in his top 10 List. Jackson’s ranking of Shaquille O’Neal at number five immediately caught Shaq’s attention, with Shaquille O’Neal expressing heartfelt thanks for the recognition.
Stephen Jackson’s List: A Bold Salute to NBA’s Giant Icons
Stephen Jackson’s list notably placed Tim Duncan as the highest-ranked big man at number four, followed by Shaquille O’Neal himself at number five. The list continued with other celebrated big men, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell, who appeared at ranks eight through ten, respectively. Shaquille O’Neal acknowledged Jackson’s choice by thanking him for recognizing the impact big men have had on shaping NBA history.
Jackson’s praise for Shaquille O’Neal, along with legends like Tim Duncan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, reflects his admiration for the powerful presence these players brought to the court. As someone who entered the league in 2000, Jackson witnessed firsthand Shaquille O’Neal’s unparalleled dominance during the Lakers’ three-peat championship run, with Shaq even securing an MVP title in 2000. Later, Jackson played alongside Tim Duncan in San Antonio, where they captured a championship together in 2003. This experience of playing with and against such powerhouse players likely influenced Jackson’s decision to rank big men so highly.
“Shaquille O’Neal led the Lakers to three consecutive championships, and I saw how his presence alone altered the game,” Jackson shared, reflecting on Shaq’s influence. In response, Shaquille O’Neal humbly thanked Stephen Jackson, stating, “It means a lot to be recognized alongside these other bigs who made the game what it is.”
Jackson’s Top 3 Spotlights the Guards, but Big Men Leave Their Mark
While Jackson’s list begins with iconic guards and small forwards, the big men remain pivotal figures on his GOAT list. At the top of Jackson’s ranking is Michael Jordan, followed by the late Kobe Bryant at number two and current Lakers star LeBron James at number three. Then, Jackson’s inclusion of Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell rounds out the list, challenging the recent trend of favoring smaller players and three-point shooters. Shaquille O’Neal, who has often lamented the neglect of big men in such debates, was quick to appreciate Jackson’s thoughtful inclusion of larger players. “Thank you, Stephen,” Shaquille O’Neal said during the podcast, “for bringing balance back to the GOAT conversation.”
Shaquille O’Neal’s praise for Jackson shines a light on the value big men bring to basketball, a point sometimes overshadowed in today’s guard-centric game. Tim Duncan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, for instance, exemplify consistency and humility, while Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell helped shape the modern NBA with their on-court dominance and off-court influence. For Shaquille O’Neal, seeing these figures on Jackson’s list is a step toward broader recognition for players of all sizes and styles.
A Fresh Perspective in the GOAT Debate
Stephen Jackson’s top 10 list is not only a commendation of Shaquille O’Neal and other legendary bigs but also a call to basketball fans to revisit the contributions of players who played different roles. In a league now centered on speed and agility, Jackson’s decision to honor Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem, Wilt, and Duncan reflects a desire to keep alive the legacy of a traditional game style, where big men anchored teams and defined the game’s flow.
Shaquille O’Neal’s gratitude for Jackson’s list underscores an evolving narrative in basketball: that true greatness spans positions and styles. With Jackson sparking fresh discussions around GOAT rankings, fans are reminded that the game’s giants are just as deserving of reverence in these historical conversations. As Shaquille O’Neal himself said, “Big men made the game too.”
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