Shaquille O’Neal’s ‘different animal’ admission on Michael Jordan

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23 March 2026 at 17:32

Shaquille O’Neal has weighed in on the NBA’s greatest of all time debate, making his stance clear on Michael Jordan.

Speaking on “The Big Podcast”, O’Neal called Jordan the GOAT and explained why his legacy stands above others. His comments quickly drew attention, given his history with legends like Kobe Bryant.

O’Neal pointed to Jordan’s perfect record on the biggest stage.

“Mike is the greatest of all time because of how he played, how he dominated, and he never lost in the finals,” O’Neal said.

MORE: Kevin Durant has low-key response to passing Michael Jordan on NBA scoring list

Jordan famously led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles and won Finals MVP in each appearance. That unbeaten Finals record remains a core argument in the GOAT discussion.

The Hall of Fame center also reflected on his personal experience facing Jordan. O’Neal described the intensity Jordan brought to every matchup.

“So, I know a lot of people going to see this, like you said, and ‘oh, he’s doing this, and he do that,” O’Neal said. “I played with Kobe, I know what a killer he was, but to me as a kid and going against him, then being the only guy to beat him in the playoffs for him to retire after three and then come back and get three, yeah, he was a different animal.”

The statement highlighted the respect Jordan commanded even among elite rivals.

O’Neal’s view becomes special due to his own decorated career. A four-time NBA champion and former MVP, he competed against some of the game’s greatest players. His comparison between Kobe Bryant and Jordan adds to the debate that continues across generations.

Kevin Durant passed Michael Jordan in the NBA

Jordan’s numbers and accolades continue to support his case. He scored 32,292 points in his career and still ranks 6th in the NBA’s top scorers.

Recently, Kevin Durant passed him and claimed the 5th position on March 21. Still, his dominance on both ends of the floor and his championship success remain benchmarks in NBA history.

As the GOAT debates continue, O’Neal’s different animal admission adds another strong voice backing Jordan’s legacy.