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image: El Gráfico #4006, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Shaquille O'Neal, also known as Shaq, was one of (probably) the most dominant players in the history of the NBA.
Standing at 7' 1 in height and weighing over 300 pounds, Shaq was a force to be reckoned with in the paint. However, with the evolution of the game towards three-point shooting and positionless basketball, many wonder if Shaq would still be able to dominate in today's game.
He'd be even more dominant, centers have gotten smaller, small ball is on the rise, and there'd be nobody to guard him.
While it is true that the game has evolved towards outside shooting, there is still a need for dominant post players.
In fact, the NBA has seen a resurgence in the importance of big men in recent years, with players like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic leading the way. Shaq's strength, size, and athleticism would still make him a dominant force in the paint today, with most players in the league unable to match up with him physically.
One area where Shaq may struggle is on defense. With the increased pace of the game and the emphasis on pick-and-roll offense, Shaq's lack of mobility could be a liability. However, it's important to remember that Shaq was not just a physical specimen but also a highly intelligent player. He would have adapted his conditioning and defensive strategies to fit today's game.
On offense, Shaq would likely be even more dominant than he was in his prime. With most shots in today's game being either layups or three-pointers, Shaq's ability to dunk and finish at the rim would be even more valuable. He was already a career 58.2% shooter, and with the added spacing that comes with modern offenses, Shaq would have an even easier time getting to the basket.
In terms of fouling out opposing big men, Shaq's impact would be lessened in today's game due to the rules changes that allow defenders to double-team in the post. However, his high shooting percentage near the basket would still make him a valuable asset to any team.
In conclusion, while the game of basketball has changed significantly since Shaq's prime, his dominance in the paint would still make him a force to be reckoned with in today's game. With his size, strength, and athleticism, he would be one of the few players who could still dominate in the post. While he may struggle on defense, his intelligence and adaptability as a player would likely allow him to adjust to today's game.
