Opposing defenders found it impossible to deal with his power and presence in the post. Shaq would seemingly dunk right through opponents. Who didn't love his rim-breaking slams?
The "Diesel" would accumulate a host of accolades throughout his 19-year career, among them being a four-time NBA champion and three-time Finals MVP. Shaq was, by all standards, one of the greatest players to put on a uniform.
With all his accomplishments, one still has to wonder if O'Neal reached his potential. The game may never see an inside presence like O'Neal again.
He was big in frame, but athletic. He could finesse on the block or posterize you.
If you double-teamed him, he knew how to find the open man. With all of this, Shaq seemed a bit too content.
His goal was to be dominant, as he was, but he never worked on a short jumper, never could shoot free throws and was never a defensive stopper. When his power faded, his career did as well.
Had Shaq developed other moves, he may have been even more effective. His style of play was eventually hindered with the hack-a-Shaq. Like Olajuwon's "Dream Shake" or Kareem's "Sky Hook," Shaq never developed a go-to move.
That is why teammate Kobe Bryant would close out close games.
Shaq was a great player, but with his physical gifts, he should have been the best to ever play.
Instead, he has to live with not even being better than Kobe.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
