If Shaquille O’Neal had his own Hall of Fame, Stephen Curry would certainly occupy the top position. That’s how much the man is in awe of the Bay Area icon. He often humorously calls himself the ‘Black Steph Curry,’ dubbed him his ‘favorite player,’ and even said that he’s “never seen anything like Steph Curry.” But that wasn’t apparently always the case.
For one, any old-school player isn’t particularly pleased with how basketball has evolved. They aren’t too big on how the big man’s league has changed to a guard-dominant phase with three-point shooting becoming a necessary skill in every basketball player’s arsenal. While Shaq wasn’t too bitter about it, he wasn’t in Steph’s fan club initially.
“I used to hate on him early on in his career; that he ain’t gonna make that. But he kept proving me wrong. That’s why he’s my best player. I like being proven wrong,” O’Neal said during an appearance on the All Smokes Podcast in 2021. Well, he certainly isn’t a hater now.
However, Shaq’s son, Shareef O’Neal, had recognized Curry’s greatness before his Dad would accept it. “Dad, Stephen Curry isn’t just a great shooter. He’s redefined what it means to be a game-changer in basketball. He’s inspiring a whole new generation,” he had said once.
Although it took the Warriors superstar proving him wrong for the Lakers legend to accept him, Shaq certainly agrees with his son’s wisdom now.
Shaquille O’Neal: Stephen Curry has opened a world of possibilities for youth
We are all familiar with how a young Steph was overlooked and passed on in favor of prospects that fit the traditional NBA mold. The slim, short stature of Curry had practically all colleges and coaches give nothing more than a once-over. In fact, the one college he really wanted to play for because of his father’s storied career, Virginia Tech, offered him just a walk-on spot because of his 160-pound frame.
No doubt they are beating themselves about it considering a humble Davidson simply accepted the future Hall of Famer for who he is. And what had his mom said to coach McKillop then? “The last thing she said was “don’t worry coach, we’ll fatten him up for you”. The Coach turned around and looked at us and said – don’t worry about that, we’ll take him just as he is,” Curry recounted in his documentary, Stephen Curry: Underrated.
While the 10x All-Star was lucky enough to have an incredible support system, the same cannot be said of many aspiring young hoopers now. And that’s why the ‘Big Diesel’ was in awe of the Stephen Curry effect. “Steph Curry is messing the game up. I’m on the internet now, see a bunch of little kids dribbling, shooting 100-footers to start the game. But he’s doing something for them, he’s giving them a chance … They’re doing stuff even I can’t do!”
It truly is something else to see just how vital Stephen Curry was in the evolution of basketball. Not just evolution, but a beacon of hope that not everyone has to be a David Robinson or Tim Duncan to have a successful NBA career.
News
Roger Federer shares big prediction on Novak Djokovic’s future
He will not be among the protagonists who will battle on the court, but Roger Federer was the most anticipated man in Berlin, where the 7th edition of the Laver Cup will be played from tomorrow – an event of which he is one…
Novak Djokovic And Father Srdjan Djokovic Share An Unforgettable Moment That Creates A Deep Connection And His Special Gift
In the realm of professional tennis, few names shine as brightly as Novak Djokovic. Known for his extraordinary talent, unwavering determination, and countless victories, Djokovic has become a global icon in the sport. However, beyond the courts and the spotlight,…
Shaquille O’Neal’s Emotional Message To Son Shareef Also Shields Bronny James From Public Burden
Shaquille O’Neal and his son are no strangers to fan expectations. It’s safe to say that LeBron James and Bronny are sailing in a parallel boat, if not the same one. The Lakers father-son duo has been catching a ton of heat…
LeBron James posted this message to Bryce Young following the news that he’s been benched as the Carolina Panthers QB.
LeBron James expresses his support for former first overall pick Bryce Young. NBA superstar and sports icon LeBron James didn’t hold back in expressing his support for Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who was recently benched following a disappointing 0-2 start to the season. Veteran Andy…
Angel Reese GOES NUTS After She Gets HAMMERED By The Experts! Caitlin Clark SHOCKED The WNBA
In recent weeks, the WNBA has been at the center of a heated debate, sparked primarily by the performances of two standout players: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. While both athletes have made significant contributions to the league, the spotlight…
Jelly Roll to headline opening night of 2025 Birds Nest at WM Phoenix Open
PHOENIX — The WM Phoenix Open has its headliner for the opening night of the 2025 Birds Nest and it will be Jelly Roll. Country singer Jelly Roll will headline the opening night of the 2025 Birds Nest on Feb….
End of content
No more pages to load