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[Saba Sports News] With a four-day break in NBA action as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers gear up for this year’s NBA Finals, fans have plenty of time for classic offseason debates — from GOAT arguments to top player rankings.
On Tuesday, Shaquille O’Neal joined the conversation, revealing his list of the 10 greatest NBA players of all time via Netflix.
While Shaq didn’t leave out many obvious names, he notably left himself off the list — a move that speaks to a certain humility. That said, the order of his rankings is sure to raise some eyebrows and offers a glimpse into his personal biases.
Shaq’s Top 10 All-Time NBA Players:
1. Michael Jordan
2. Kobe Bryant
3. LeBron James
4. Magic Johnson
5. Bill Russell
6. Wilt Chamberlain
7. Larry Bird
8. Hakeem Olajuwon
9. Tim Duncan
10. Julius Erving
Shaq has long shown admiration for Julius Erving, so it’s no shock to see Dr. J make the cut — though some might argue Stephen Curry deserves that spot instead. Still, Erving’s inclusion is far from outrageous given his impact on the game.
The list also reflects Shaq’s deep respect for legendary big men, as seen with the inclusion of Duncan, Olajuwon, Chamberlain, and Russell. However, one surprising omission is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — a fellow Lakers icon and one of the most decorated players in NBA history.
Perhaps the most debated part of the list will be the top three: Shaq ranks Michael Jordan first, Kobe Bryant second, and LeBron James third. While putting Bryant above LeBron seems more like a tribute to their shared championship run with the Lakers, it’s clear Shaq values Jordan’s undefeated 6-0 Finals record and iconic dominance above all.
LeBron’s case as the GOAT, meanwhile, leans heavily on his longevity and statistical achievements — including being the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in both regular season and playoffs. His 4-6 Finals record is often used as a knock against him in legacy debates, but his sustained excellence over 22 seasons is unmatched.
Ultimately, the GOAT discussion remains subjective. Whether someone ranks Jordan, LeBron, or someone else at the top depends on what they value most — rings, stats, impact, or longevity.