In March, Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal made headlines with a bold statement on The NBA on TNT, urging fans to include Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry in the conversation for the greatest NBA players of all time. “I demand you fans to start putting Steph Curry in that greatest of all time conversation,” O’Neal 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 comments sparked widespread discussion, as Curry’s revolutionary style and unparalleled shooting have redefined the game.
However, just months later, O’Neal revealed his personal top ten greatest NBA players of all time on Netflix (h/t Ballislife.com), and Curry was notably absent. The list included:
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
This omission raises questions about the criteria O’Neal uses to define “greatness” and whether those standards fairly evaluate a player like Curry, whose impact transcends traditional metrics.
Curry’s Unmatched Resume
Stephen Curry, who has spent all 16 seasons of his professional career with the Golden State Warriors, boasts an extraordinary resume. A two-time NBA MVP, Curry has career averages of 24.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting an impressive 47.1% from the field and 42.3% from three-point range across 1,026 games. He has led the Warriors to four NBA Championships since 2015, cementing his legacy as a cornerstone of one of the league’s most dominant dynasties.
Curry’s efficiency and unique playstyle set him apart. According to @Curry_Muse, Curry is the only player in NBA history to achieve a 50–40–90 shooting season (50% field goals, 40% three-pointers, 90% free throws) while averaging over 30 points per game. In that remarkable season, he averaged 30.1 points, 5.1 free throw attempts per game, with 50.4% field goal accuracy, 45.4% from three, and 90.8% from the free-throw line. Notably, Curry has the fewest free throw attempts per game of any NBA MVP averaging 30 points per game, highlighting his ability to dominate without relying on trips to the line.
The Shaq Standard: What Defines a Legend?
O’Neal’s top ten list leans heavily on players who dominated through physicality, versatility, or traditional measures of greatness like championships, individual accolades, and statistical dominance. Players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James embody a blend of scoring, leadership, and two-way play. Big men like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Hakeem Olajuwon reflect O’Neal’s appreciation for dominant post players, likely influenced by his own Hall of Fame career as a center.
Curry, however, represents a different archetype. At 6’2” and 185 pounds, he lacks the physical imposing presence of O’Neal’s listed legends. His game is built on finesse, unprecedented shooting range, and playmaking that stretches defenses in ways previously unimaginable. This contrast suggests O’Neal’s criteria may prioritize traditional dominance—size, athleticism, or two-way impact—over revolutionary skill sets like Curry’s.
Why the Standard Matters
The exclusion of Curry from O’Neal’s list isn’t just a snub; it’s a prompt to examine how we define NBA greatness. Should it be measured by championships, individual stats, or the ability to change how the game is played? Curry’s influence is undeniable: he’s the catalyst for the NBA’s three-point revolution, forcing teams to adapt defensively and prioritize perimeter shooting. His off-ball movement and gravity create opportunities for teammates, redefining what a “playmaker” can be.
O’Neal’s earlier praise for Curry suggests he recognizes this impact, yet his top ten list implies a stricter, perhaps outdated, framework for “legend” status. This tension highlights a broader debate: as the game evolves, should our criteria for greatness evolve too? Players like Curry challenge traditional molds, proving that dominance isn’t confined to the paint or physicality.
The Real Conversation
Curry’s absence from O’Neal’s list doesn’t diminish his achievements but rather underscores the need to rethink what makes an NBA legend. His four championships, two MVPs, and record-breaking shooting efficiency demand respect, yet his exclusion suggests that some still hesitate to place him among the all-time elite. The conversation shouldn’t focus solely on whether Curry belongs in the top ten—it should explore why our standards for greatness may not fully account for players who redefine the sport.
As the NBA continues to evolve, so must our metrics for evaluating its legends. Stephen Curry’s case isn’t just about one player; it’s about ensuring the criteria for greatness reflect the game’s past, present, and future.