In a surprising turn of events, Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has sparked heated debate among NBA fans by excluding Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry from his list of the top ten greatest NBA players of all time. Despite previously praising Curry’s brilliance and urging fans to include him in the “greatest of all time” conversation, O’Neal’s latest ranking has left many scratching their heads.
Earlier this year, during an appearance on The NBA on TNT in March, O’Neal passionately advocated for Curry’s place among the all-time greats. “I demand you fans to start putting Steph Curry in that greatest of all time conversation,” he declared. “I played against Mike, played with Kobe, played against and with LeBron. They’re all great, but at some point, we’re going to have to put Steph Curry in that category.” His bold statement went viral, fueling discussions about Curry’s undeniable impact on the game.
However, in a recent list shared via Netflix and highlighted by Ballislife.com, O’Neal revealed his top ten NBA players of all time, and Curry’s name was conspicuously absent. The list reads as follows:
Shaq’s Top 10 Greatest Players
10: Dr. J
9: Tim Duncan
8: Hakeem Olajuwon
7: Larry Bird
6: Wilt Chamberlain
5: Bill Russell
4: Magic Johnson
3: LeBron James
2: Kobe Bryant
1: Michael Jordan @Netflix | @strongblacklead pic.twitter.com/94VFEcgsBG— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) June 3, 2025
The omission of Curry, a four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP, has shocked fans, especially given O’Neal’s earlier comments. So, why would Shaq leave out a player he so recently championed? The answer may lie in O’Neal’s preference for players who dominated in the paint or had a more traditional style of play, as evidenced by the inclusion of big men like himself, Hakeem Olajuwon, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Tim Duncan. Curry, known for revolutionizing the game with his unprecedented three-point shooting, may not align with O’Neal’s vision of dominance, which often emphasizes physicality and inside presence.
Curry’s credentials speak for themselves. Over his 16-year career, all spent with the Golden State Warriors, he has averaged 24.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting an impressive 47.1% from the field and 42.3% from three-point range across 1,026 games. His four NBA championships since 2015 and his status as a two-time MVP solidify his legacy as one of the game’s greatest.
Moreover, Curry’s efficiency and unique playstyle set him apart. As noted by @Curry_Muse, Curry holds the record for the fewest free throw attempts per game (5.1) among NBA MVPs who averaged 30 points per game in a season. He is also the only player in NBA history to achieve a 50–40–90 shooting season (50.4% FG, 45.4% 3P, 90.8% FT) while averaging over 30 points per game. These stats highlight Curry’s ability to dominate without relying on physical drives to the basket, a hallmark of his revolutionary game.
While O’Neal’s list prioritizes legends who fit a certain mold, Curry’s exclusion raises questions about how modern players, particularly those who redefine the game, are evaluated against traditional greats. Is Shaq’s preference for physical dominance over Curry’s shooting prowess the reason for this snub? Or is there more to the story? One thing is certain: the debate over Curry’s place among the NBA’s all-time elite is far from over.