We all know our man Shaq loves his lists! No matter if it’s on social media or his “Big Podcast With Shaq,” O’Neal loves to rank and When it comes to ranking the greatest NBA players of all time by position, opinions always spark debate. With so many legendary names to choose from, narrowing it down to just five is no easy task. But recently, Shaquille O’Neal took to Instagram to share a graphic listing the best player at each position—and let’s just say, it got people talking.
At point guard, Stephen Curry earned the top spot. With four championships, two MVPs, a Finals MVP, and two scoring titles, Curry has undoubtedly changed the game with his revolutionary three-point shooting. But is he truly the greatest point guard of all time? That’s where things get interesting. Many still consider Magic Johnson to hold that title, with his five championships, three MVPs, and legendary playmaking skills for the Lakers. While Magic has the edge in overall accomplishments, Curry’s story isn’t finished yet—there’s still time for him to add to his legacy.
Moving on to shooting guard, Michael Jordan was the obvious pick. There’s hardly any debate here—MJ’s six championships, six Finals MVPs, five league MVPs, Defensive Player of the Year award, and 10 scoring titles make him the undisputed GOAT at the position. While Kobe Bryant had an extraordinary career and left an unforgettable legacy, no shooting guard has matched Jordan’s dominance.
At small forward, LeBron James was the clear choice. With four NBA titles, four MVPs, four Finals MVPs, a scoring title, and an assists title, LeBron is also the league’s all-time leading scorer. And he’s still going strong. His combination of longevity, versatility, and sheer dominance makes this pick one of the least controversial ones on the list.
Tim Duncan took the power forward spot, another fairly easy selection. With five championships, three Finals MVPs, and two league MVPs, Duncan’s resume speaks for itself. The “Big Fundamental” was the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty, and his consistency over nearly two decades cements him as the greatest power forward of all time.
Then comes the center position—the toughest one to pick. Unsurprisingly, Shaquille O’Neal himself got the nod. With four championships, three Finals MVPs, an MVP award, and two scoring titles, Shaq’s dominance in the paint was unmatched in his era. However, his selection stirred up debate, considering the competition. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with his six MVPs and six championships, makes a strong case. Bill Russell’s 11 rings and five MVPs put him in the conversation as well, while Wilt Chamberlain’s jaw-dropping stats and Nikola Jokić’s modern-day brilliance make them contenders too. If one player had to be chosen, Kareem might be the safest bet—but Shaq’s impact on the game is undeniable.
Interestingly, while LeBron might seem like the youngest on this list, that honor actually belongs to Kobe Bryant. He remains the only player to make an All-Star team at just 19 years old, thanks in part to the fan vote during his early rise to superstardom. Back then, popularity alone was enough to secure a spot, but with today’s system incorporating player and media voting, young stars have a tougher road to early All-Star honors.
As with any all-time ranking, there will always be disagreements. But one thing is certain—Shaq’s list is packed with all-time greats, and the debates it sparks only make basketball discussions more fun.