The NBA has been shaped by legendary all-time greats, with superstars like Michael Jordan’, LeBron James and so many more leaving timeless marks on the league.
While debates over the ‘greatest of all time’ continue over the likes of James and Jordan, many other deserving names often don’t get the recognition they deserve.
One such player, despite winning four rings and delivering countless clutch performances, is often overlooked in all-time great discussions. Well, not by Shaquille O’Neal.
- READ MORE: The NBA franchises with the most Championships include the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers
Shaquille O’Neal gives Steph Curry the respect he deserves
O’Neal thinks Steph Curry should be considered among the all-time greats of the NBA, particularly after recent dazzling form.
O’Neal ended his career as one of the most accomplished names in the league, winning four championships and multiple other individual accolades.
He has since enjoyed a sensational TV career and is part of one of the best NBA shows, where he has many times criticised, but also given players the flowers they deserve.
Curry is one player, who he has always appreciated, and he once again showed his love for the Warriors player on ‘Inside the NBA.’
“I demand you fans start putting Steph Curry in that greatest of all-time conversation.
“Just start putting him in the conversation. There’s Michael Jordan, there’s Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Start putting Steph in that conversation. I demand it. … I’m not saying he is [the GOAT], but let’s just have the conversation,” said O’Neal.
Steph Curry credits Jimmy Butler trade to Warriors return to form
The Warriors lost one of their core players in Klay Thompson last summer, which was expected to be a tough spot to fill, but they put together a few free-agent signings for the 2024-25 season.
Although they started 12-3, things seemed to go downhill from there as they dropped to 10th place in the Western Conference standings.
However, the front office pulled off a trade to bring in Jimmy Butler, who wanted a way out of Miami and gave him a two-year $120 million max contract.
Since then, the team has looked extremely positive and has won nine of ten games with him in the lineup, pushing them to sixth place in the West.
Curry, whose performances have also considerably improved since the Butler trade, was appreciative of the impact the six-time All-Star has had on the team.
“Y’all know who he is and what he’s been able to do in this league.
“There’s a learning curve and a learning process for bringing in a guy like him, but we’re talking, we’re figuring it out daily.
“He’s a superstar, he’s won and lifted teams and he’s doing it with us, we’re trying to do our part around him,” said Curry in a post-game walk-off interview after the win against the Knicks.
Curry really is back to his best
Curry has been putting up some sensational numbers for the Golden State Warriors this season.
In his 16th year with the franchise, the point guard is averaging 24 PPG and 6.2 APG on 44.7% field-goal shooting and 39.5% from the three-point line.
Another testament to Curry’s brilliant performance this season was his 28-point performance in the 114-102 win against the New York Knicks, where he shot 5-9 from beyond the arc.
This was his fourth consecutive game, scoring over 20 points, this is including his 56-point performance against the Orlando Magic.
The post Shaquille O’Neal ‘demands’ NBA fans to add underappreciated star to ‘G.O.A.T’ conversations appeared first on HITC.
from HITC https://ift.tt/HoXEz6q
No comments: