Shaq Adds Steph Curry to GOAT Chat

Shaq Adds Steph Curry to GOAT Chat, Calls Him ‘Kobe Before Kobe’

Shaquille O’Neal, the larger-than-life personality and one of basketball’s most dominant forces, recently joined The Pat McAfee Show and dropped a bombshell: Steph Curry deserves to be in the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) conversation. Shaq, a four-time champion and business mogul, didn’t just stop there. He also shared a legendary story about how he pushed for Penny Hardaway in the NBA draft, comparing him to an early version of Kobe Bryant.

Curry Joins Elite Company in Shaq’s Eyes

When the topic of the GOAT debate came up, Shaq made it clear that while names like Michael Jordan and LeBron James are always in the mix, the game has changed too much to compare eras directly. He believes it’s unfair to pit players from different times against each other without acknowledging the shifts in playstyle and rules. However, Shaq is ready to add another name to the top tier: Steph Curry.

“Now I’m saying it here on the Pat McAfee show. Got to put Steph Curry in there.”

Shaq highlighted Curry’s incredible impact and offensive prowess, noting that while Curry might not have the high-flying dunks of others, his ability to score from anywhere on the court, especially from beyond the three-point line, has a similar effect. For Shaq, Curry’s consistent brilliance and game-changing ability put him in the same league as legends like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James. This is a significant endorsement from a player who knows what it takes to be truly dominant.

The ‘Blue Chips’ Draft Story: Penny Hardaway Was ‘Kobe Before Kobe’

Shaq also took a trip down memory lane, recalling his experience filming the basketball movie ‘Blue Chips’. He shared an incredible story about how he fought to get Penny Hardaway drafted by his team, even though he initially didn’t know who Hardaway was. Shaq recognized Hardaway’s immense talent during pickup games on set and insisted to his agent and the team that Hardaway was the player they needed.

Shaq explained that he wanted a playmaker who could get him the ball, and Hardaway fit that description perfectly. He even compared Hardaway’s potential to the legendary duo of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, calling him ‘Kobe before Kobe’. This shows Shaq’s keen eye for talent, even before Hardaway was a household name. The story perfectly illustrates Shaq’s influence and his understanding of how to build a winning team.

DJ Diesel: More Than Just a DJ

Beyond the basketball talk, Shaq also touched on his alter ego, DJ Diesel. He explained that his passion for DJing stems from a desire to have fun and recreate the electrifying energy he felt playing in front of huge crowds. After his basketball career ended, Shaq missed that adrenaline rush. He found a similar feeling when he started DJing and performing for massive audiences.

Shaq described the feeling as being similar to playing in a Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He loves connecting with the crowd and having a good time, whether he’s on the basketball court or behind the DJ booth. His ventures into music and entertainment show his versatility and his commitment to bringing energy and excitement to whatever he does.

The Shaq Empire: Business and Beyond

The conversation also highlighted Shaq’s massive business empire. With hundreds of businesses under his belt, including his popular Shaqalicious gummies and his involvement with Reebok, Shaq has proven to be a true visionary. He’s not just a former athlete; he’s a successful entrepreneur who continues to expand his brand in various industries. His role as president of Reebok basketball shows his dedication to the sport beyond his playing days.

Shaq’s ability to transition from dominating the basketball court to building a vast business empire is truly remarkable. His presence and influence continue to be felt across sports, entertainment, and business, making him one of the most recognizable and respected figures in the world today.

Source: Shaq Wants Steph Curry In Greatest Of All Time Conversation; Why He Became DJ Diesel | Pat McAfee (YouTube)