When basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal shares his all-time top 10 players, the entire NBA community pays close attention. His recent appearance on the Netflix docuseries Power Moves has done exactly that, sparking immediate and intense debate among fans worldwide.
Shaq's Controversial Rankings Stir the Pot
During the segment, the man known as Big Diesel declared Michael Jordan the undisputed greatest of all time. More controversially, he placed his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant ahead of modern superstar LeBron James. This decision highlights Shaq's clear preference for a specific era of dominance and what he views as the essential killer instinct in basketball.
The Full Top 10 Breakdown
Shaquille O'Neal's list, revealed on the Netflix show, brought several surprises. It blends modern statistical giants with the pioneers who built the league's strong foundation.
He humorously started by putting himself at number 10, but then replaced his own name with the great Julius Erving. From there, the list unfolds with remarkable names.
- At number nine, he placed the consistent and fundamental excellence of Tim Duncan.
- Hakeem Olajuwon, the player Shaq often calls his toughest opponent, earned the eighth spot for his legendary footwork.
The middle of the pack shows a heavy influence from basketball's earlier decades. Larry Bird sits at seven, followed by the dominant Wilt Chamberlain at six, and the legendary Bill Russell at five.
The Elite Tier and the Heated Debate
Moving into the elite tier, Shaq places the iconic Magic Johnson at number four. This sets the stage for the final three spots, which fuel the most heated debate in modern sports.
- LeBron James lands at number three. Many of his fans will consider this position too low, given his all-time scoring record and sustained excellence.
- In the second spot, Shaq placed the late Kobe Bryant. He clearly appreciates Bryant's famous mamba mentality and relentless competitive fire.
- At the very top of the pyramid sits Michael Jordan. Shaq did not hesitate, calling him the greatest of all time.
Why Jordan Reigns Supreme for Shaq
Michael Jordan's placement at number one seems a perfect fit for the Netflix series Power Moves. Jordan's entire career, both on and off the court, was defined by dominant and powerful actions.
For NBA fans, Shaq's ranking serves as a powerful reminder. In the eyes of many legends from the 1990s, Jordan's perfect six-for-six record in the NBA Finals, combined with his immense cultural impact, remains the unbeaten gold standard.
By ranking Kobe Bryant above LeBron James, Shaq sends a clear message. He believes that while LeBron possesses incredible longevity, the pure scoring aggression and competitive fire displayed by Jordan and Bryant represent the true peak of basketball excellence.
The debate over the greatest of all time will certainly continue. Shaq's list, with its clear biases and celebrated history, has added fresh fuel to that eternal NBA conversation.
