The debate over which of today’s NBA stars could dominate in past eras has been raging for years. And when it comes to weighing in, few voices carry more authority than Shaquille O’Neal’s.
As one of the most physically dominant players in basketball history, Shaq thrived during one of the NBA’s toughest, most hard-nosed periods. So, when the Hall of Fame big man recently shared his thoughts on which modern players could hold their own in the 1990s and early 2000s, people took notice.
“I think about it all the time. Ant Edwards. LeBron, of course—well, he did play in that era. KD… That’s about it,” Shaq said, before adding a pair of surprising names to his exclusive list. “Actually, the [Thompson] twins, they got heart. They definitely could have played in that era.”
The first few names were no shock. LeBron James is one of those generational talents who could excel in any era. His combination of strength, IQ, and versatility makes him a seamless fit in any style of play. And having entered the league in 2003, LeBron caught the tail end of the NBA’s more physical days, proving he could hang with the best of them.
Kevin Durant also made Shaq’s list—and for good reason. At nearly seven feet tall with guard-like skills, KD’s ability to score from anywhere on the floor would have made him a nightmare matchup in any era. While some might question his durability against the rough-and-tumble defenses of the ‘90s, his scoring prowess would have spoken for itself.
Then there’s Anthony Edwards, a rising superstar with an explosive game and old-school mentality. “Ant-Man” has already won over fans with his fearless attitude and relentless work ethic. His desire to compete and dominate every night is exactly why Shaq believes he would’ve thrived in a more physical era.
But the biggest surprise? The inclusion of Amen and Ausar Thompson. The Thompson twins, drafted fourth and fifth overall in 2023, have been making waves in the league with their elite athleticism and defensive prowess. Amen has already become a key contributor for the Houston Rockets, while Ausar is showing flashes of greatness with the Detroit Pistons. Their hustle, energy, and two-way potential caught Shaq’s eye, earning them a spot alongside some of the biggest names in the game.
The Thompson twins aren’t just impressing Shaq, either. LeBron himself recently praised their otherworldly athleticism, calling them “different.” Coming from a four-time champion and all-time great, that’s high praise.
For Durant and LeBron, their legacy is already set in stone. Edwards is well on his way to carving out his place in history. And for Amen and Ausar, the journey is just beginning. But if they keep bringing the intensity, work ethic, and passion that have caught the attention of Shaq and LeBron, their futures in the league look very bright.