SHAQUILLE O’NEAL ADMITS HE UNDERESTIMATED STEPHEN CURRY ON PODCAST AND GETS EMOTIONAL EXPLAINING WHY

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In a rare and candid moment of vulnerability, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal confessed how he once resisted acknowledging the revolution that Stephen Curry was bringing to the NBA. What began as skepticism gradually transformed into a profound lesson in humility and respect, as Shaq came to realize that the game was changing in ways he had never imagined.

A Heavyweight in the Studio

The atmosphere in the studio of The Big Podcast with Shaq was charged with energy, soft lights casting a warm glow on the set. Shaquille O’Neal, ever the imposing figure at 7’1″ and 325 lbs, adjusted himself in his specially reinforced chair, a large figure in a small room. His co-hosts and special NBA guest settled in, microphones ready as the conversation began.

“Today we’re going to talk about transformation,” the co-host announced, directing a knowing glance toward Shaq. “Players who completely changed the game of the NBA.” The backdrop flickered with archival footage of Shaq’s career, showing the towering center in his prime—devastating dunks that rattled backboards, imposing his will in the paint, and celebrating after each display of dominance. He was a force of nature, a player who had altered the very fabric of the NBA. In fact, the league had to change rules because of Shaq’s sheer physicality.

But as the images shifted, the screen now showed another player—Stephen Curry, standing 6’2″ and weighing a mere 185 lbs. Physically closer to an average fan than the typical image of an NBA superstar, Curry’s game was an entirely different kind of spectacle. He launched seemingly impossible shots from absurd distances, danced around defenders, and celebrated with his signature mouthguard bite.

The Skepticism of Shaq

In the face of this revolution, Shaq’s response had been one of resistance. He admitted to his co-hosts that he had initially dismissed Curry’s potential. “I didn’t believe it,” Shaq confessed, his deep voice softer than usual. “I simply didn’t believe it.”

Coming from a school of thought where basketball was about physical dominance—where players like him, the “Big Aristotle,” could control the game by overpowering their opponents—Shaq didn’t see the 6’2″ guard from Davidson as a serious threat. “I thought this is a fad. This won’t last,” Shaq continued, describing his initial thoughts on Curry. He wasn’t alone in his skepticism. Many veteran players shared similar doubts, including Charles Barkley and Karl Malone. For them, the concept of winning with outside shooting was foreign. They all believed that true dominance came in the paint, where physicality and size were paramount.

Shaq even went as far as to say on national television, “Shooting teams don’t win championships.” This belief in physicality was not just a personal philosophy; it was a deeply ingrained part of the NBA’s culture. In Shaq’s mind, the strongest player dictated the game, and for him, that meant asserting dominance near the basket.

The Turning Point: A 2016 Game

Despite his early resistance, something changed for Shaq. Curry’s ability to break records, his endless three-pointers, and his seemingly impossible shots couldn’t be ignored forever. It wasn’t until a fateful game on February 27, 2016, that Shaq experienced the turning point. The Golden State Warriors faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and with the score tied in overtime, Curry hit a three-pointer from beyond 30 feet to win the game.

“I was watching this game at home,” Shaq recalled. “My first reaction was to think, ‘Luck.’” But as he watched Curry’s celebration and the stunned faces of the opposing team, Shaq couldn’t help but see the truth that had been right in front of him for years: Curry’s skill was not a fluke.

The screen flashed images of Curry’s other triumphs, from his first championship to his record-breaking 2015-16 season. Shaq realized something fundamental: “Steph showed me that there’s another kind of strength. Precision is also power. Skill is also dominance.”

A Lesson in Humility

Shaq’s journey of acceptance wasn’t just about seeing Curry’s shooting ability as legitimate. It was also about reconciling his own ego with the evolving landscape of the game. In a deeply personal moment, Shaq recounted how his son had noticed his own resistance to Curry’s impact. “Dad, why don’t you like Curry? Is it because he plays differently than you?” his son had asked.

That question hit Shaq hard. It made him reconsider his own legacy and the values he had clung to for so long. Shaq went on to have a conversation with Curry’s father, Dell, learning about how much Curry had to work to overcome his physical limitations and become the player he was. Shaq saw how kids around the world were no longer dreaming of dunking like him—they were trying to shoot like Curry. That was when he understood that Curry wasn’t just good; he was changing the very DNA of basketball.

A Full Circle of Respect

Shaq’s realization culminated in a private conversation with Curry. After an NBA event, Shaq sought out Curry to admit that he had underestimated him, that he now recognized his greatness. The conversation was humbling for Shaq, as Curry responded with grace, smiling and telling Shaq that he had grown up watching him play and considered him an inspiration.

“That humility, after everything he’s achieved, it hit me in a way I didn’t expect,” Shaq admitted.

Shaq’s respect for Curry grew as he watched the NBA transform around him. Teams were increasingly adopting shooting-heavy lineups, taller players were developing perimeter skills, and the game was evolving beyond the paint. “The game evolves,” Shaq said, acknowledging the changing tides. “Now, when I see a small kid with big dreams, I remember Curry. And I think, who am I to say he can’t?”

However, Shaq quickly added with a mischievous grin, “But let me make one thing clear. If Curry tried to take me on in the paint, it would still be a disaster for him.” The laughter that followed was filled with warmth and understanding, signaling that while Shaq’s worldview had expanded, his essence remained unchanged.

The Legacy of Transformation

As Shaq’s reflection on the evolution of basketball came to a close, it was clear that the towering center had undergone his own transformation. The once unshakable belief that physical dominance was the only path to greatness had given way to an appreciation for the new kind of greatness that Curry represented—one based on skill, precision, and adaptability.

Shaquille O’Neal’s journey from skepticism to respect is a testament to the way the game of basketball continues to evolve. Just as Curry’s influence transformed the sport, so too did Shaq’s evolution demonstrate that even the most iconic figures can grow and adapt. Shaq, the giant who once ruled the paint, now recognizes that there are many ways to be great in basketball—and Stephen Curry, in his own way, had shown him that.