Anytime a major player gives his top 5 list, it’s bound to start some controversy. There’s simply been a bunch of amazing players throughout the history of the NBA and it’s pretty difficult to pick out a top 5; no matter who you choose, you’re going to leave off someone that many others will think should’ve made it. In any event, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal gave his top 5 list and reasons for choosing each player.
via The Times-Picayune of New Orleans:
“Bill Russell won 11 championships. Charles Barkley is my guy, but I like Karl Malone. Then there’s the guy who made me who I am — Dr. J [Julius Erving]. I’ve got Michael [Jordan] at the two. Then, I’m going to go with the big guard with Magic Johnson at the one.”
Now, O’Neal made sure NOT to put an exclamation point on his list, saying:
“I see a problem with answering these questions. A lot of people get their feelings hurt. Then some of you guys [reporters] be trying to start trouble, like Shaq leaving Kobe [Bryant] off. Then it’s Shaq and Kobe.
“But that’s my top five for playing reasons and what they did. Russell doesn’t have high [statistical] numbers, but with 11 championships, nobody is beating that.”
