In NBA circles, it’s common for fans and experts to discuss and choose their all-time top 10 lists. These conversations, varying from person to person, often spark engaging debates.
Such discussions are not exclusive to spectators and commentators as NBA players themselves also partake in these conversations. Most recently, Julius Erving weighed in on this matter, sharing his personal all-time top 10. The Dr. received some major backlash for his list due to leaving out prominent (newer) legends such as LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, and Larry Bird.
Now, Shaquille O’Neal revealed his list, and while he added more recent players to his list, it still can be considered to be very controversial. Shaq also explained that he doesn’t have a problem with Erving’s list.
Per LA Times:
“Hey, man, I got no problem with Dr. J’s list,” he said. “He’s the great Dr. J. He paved the way for all of us. He can say what he wants and nobody should say a damn thing about it.”
… He [Shaq] said his first team, in no particular order, was Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and then [expletive] me.”
“That ain’t no disrespect to Malone, [Charles] Barkley and Kareem,” O’Neal said. “Hey, that’s my list. Understand what I’m saying?”
O’Neal said coming off his bench would be Curry, Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan, Malone and Isiah Thomas.
“Yeah,” O’Neal said. “And you can quote me on that.”
