The folks at Bleacher Report recently published their rankings of the top-50 players in NBA history. Coming in at No. 6 was Shaquille O'Neal.
The Big Diesel, as he came to be known, sent out a brief thank you message to Bleacher Report after learning of his position on the list:
Thank you @BleacherReport https://t.co/ZuplqOeq7a
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) September 26, 2019
In the annals of NBA history, there have been few players known by one name. Guys like Wilt, Magic, Jordan, Hakeem, Kobe, and nowadays, LeBron. Shaq, the legendary center who brought down backboards with his sheer size and power, finds himself in this category. In fact, to many, O'Neal is the greatest true big to have ever played the game.
Shaq's list of accolades is longer than a country mile. The 47-year-old claimed four NBA titles, three Finals MVPs, eight NBA First Team nods and 15 All-Star selections. He was also the league's Rookie of the Year in 2993 and went on to win two scoring titles (1995, 2000).
Over the course of his first seven playoff runs with the Los Angeles Lakers (100 games), O'Neal averaged 29.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.5 blocks. During the Lakers' three-peat, he averaged 35.9 points, 15.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.9 blocks in 15 Finals games.
During the 2000 Finals alone, he put up 38.0 points, 16.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 2.3 assists on the way to his first title.
Shaquille O'Neal may be retired now, but the memories he left behind will live on forever.
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