Shaq

I doubt there is much debate that Shaq is the most reocognizable LSU alum/athlete.

Here is my question about Shaq: Has he underacheived in his NBA career?

No doubt he is unbelievably talented, a four time champ, a one time MVP,one of the top players in NBA history and a no doubt hall of famer, so saying he has underacheived is a relative statement, but do yall think his career could have been more dominating and that he did not take full advantage of his God given talents?

 

maybe if he had zero or even just one title. but dude has all kindsa titles, with two different teams. most ferocious dunker of all time, absolute destroyer, hall of fame champion. he could hardly be more dominant. in his prime you could put him on any team and make an instant title contender.

just look at the guy, chillin in that photo with cajun sensation, how could he be questioned?

 

I agree with you CS that he didn't underachieve although I think there was some room for more.

Most dominating player ever though? It could turn into a game of semantics in understanding the word dominating but folks like Bill Russell, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Magic Johnson come to mind. That said, Shaq is one of my all time faves........best sense of humor eva.

 

I kind of see what you're saying. I think he could have been even better than what he was. When he was first in the league he was flying around and jumping like Tyrus is now but he really didn't make a big effort the past few years to stay in shape. When you look at him now, he's just a big guy that has no mobility at all. Of course injuries have slowed him down, but he hasn't bounced back to well from them.
There is a very large difference between the present Shaq and the one that first entered the league. Two completely different players. I would have liked to see Shaq stay dominant but at least he is still the most respected center in the game right now and will be remembered among the elite.

 

Shaq is/was a great great player but not one of the top 5 all time as suggested. The answer to the question depends on your definition of underachieve. Was he highly successful personally as a player and did his teams win championships....yes. However I'm left wondering just how much better he might have been had he done any kind of conditioning in the off season.

 

I do not think he has underachieved at all. He has won everywhere he has been.

But, top 5 all time? :yelwink2: Maybe centers. He is behind Wilt, Kareem, and Russell.

 

I have always loved Shaq.

But had he kept himself in better shape, I honestly believe he could have given MJ a run for the title of greatest NBA player ever.

One of the best 5 centers ever? Unquestionably.

One of the the greatest of all time? No doubt. Probably top 15. Maybe even top 10.

But had he fulfilled the promise that he had coming out of college, he would have been the greatest center of all time and close to Jordan's stature.

I still love the big fella. And I really hope he becomes an NBA analyst instead of a cop.