The debate around where Warriors star Steph Curry belongs on the all-time greats list has been stirred up again thanks to Shaquille O’Neal.
After Steph did Steph things in the Warriors’ 132-126 OT win against Boston on Tuesday, Shaq proposed a question that sent Dubs fans’ tongues’ wagging.
“I’m wondering … I’m not saying, I’m just wondering, because he’s been consistently the best shooter his whole career. I’m wondering, is it time to start putting him as the best player of all time?” O’Neal asked after Golden State’s win on Inside the NBA.
Shaq was instantly met with pushback by fellow analysts and Kenny Smith asked Shaq if he would put Steph ahead of himself on the all-time greats list.
“Yes. Way better. Yes, of course,” O’Neal said. “That’s why he’s my favorite player. I played 20 years, watched 20 years before that. I’ve never seen a guy like him. He’s doing it consistently and he has championships. I’m not putting him anywhere, I’m saying for all the chitter-chatter, is it time to just put him in the conversation? I’m asking the fans, is it time to start putting him in the conversation as one of the best players ever?”
Naturally, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was asked about Shaq’s comments and gave an interesting answer.
“Love that. I think the argument, that maybe isn’t even an argument, is he the most skilled player of all time?” Kerr said on 95.7 The Game. “There’s all kinds of different ways of looking at who’s the best and all that, who’s the most talented. You can factor in size and length and athleticism, scoring inside, scoring (outside), whatever.
“I just look at Steph as the most skilled basketball player I’ve ever seen. There’s never been anybody in terms of their shooting and ball-handling ability and ability to shoot from the distances that he shoots from and the finishing in the lanes, the rhythm, the fluidity. I’ve never seen anybody as skilled with the ball as Steph Curry.”