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[Saba Sports News] Shaquille O’Neal’s former teammate Alonzo Mourning joined him on *The Big Podcast with Shaq*, where they discussed which of today’s NBA stars could handle the physicality of their era.
When co-host Adam Lefkoe posed the question, the two legends had only a few names to offer.
Shaquille O’Neal: “There’s a couple who caught the tail end of us, like LeBron (James) and (Kevin Durant). But newer ones? Hard to say. Maybe (Nikola Jokic).”
Alonzo Mourning: “Maybe Joker. You know what? Giannis (Antetokounmpo).”
O’Neal: “You think Giannis?”
Mourning: “I think just how hard he goes.”
O’Neal: “He goes hard, yeah. But don’t you think he’s too light?”
Mourning: “He still takes a beating, though. Giannis is cut up like I was. I can see him fitting in. But let’s not forget guys like Terry Cummings, (Charles Oakley), and Anthony Mason. You let them boys lay the wood on you—they’d take you out of the air.”
O’Neal: “All day, every day.”
Mourning: “Rick Mahorn, Buck Williams, the list goes on. The physicality back then was unreal. Guys today haven’t felt anything like it.”
Adam Lefkoe: “Even in the regular season?”
Mourning: “Oh yeah, every game. There’s nothing like that anymore.”
The debate highlights the contrast between the rugged, physical style of the 1990s and today’s more finesse-driven NBA. While Mourning and O’Neal praised stars like Jokic and Giannis for their toughness, they also emphasized how much harder the game was back then.
Although O’Neal was somewhat skeptical of Giannis’ ability to thrive in their era, Mourning strongly supported the Milwaukee Bucks star, pointing out his relentless energy and ability to withstand punishment.
With Antetokounmpo averaging 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists this season, it’s easy to see how his physicality and skill set could translate to any era.
As for others like Jokic, Luka Dončić, and Joel Embiid, it’s fair to say that great players adapt to any style of play, thriving regardless of the decade. While the game may have changed, the talent remains undeniable.