BREAKING: After many endless debates in the NBA world about “Is Stephen Curry the successor of Michael Jordan?”. Recently, Shaquille O’neal spoke up and gave a fair answer on TNT.

BREAKING: Shaquille O’Neal Delivers the Final Word on the “Stephen Curry vs. Michael Jordan” Debate on TNT

The NBA world has never been short on debates, but few have been as polarizing as the question: “Is Stephen Curry the successor to Michael Jordan?” Over the past decade, Curry’s revolutionary style of play and immense success with the Golden State Warriors have put him in the same breath as basketball’s greatest legends. His impact on the game is undeniable—he’s shattered records, won four NBA championships, and changed the way basketball is played at every level. But can he truly be considered the heir to Michael Jordan, the universally acclaimed GOAT (Greatest of All Time)?

This question has sparked endless arguments among fans, analysts, and former players. On one side, Curry’s supporters point to his influence, skill, and accolades. On the other, Jordan loyalists argue that no one can match MJ’s dominance, charisma, and legacy. The debate has raged on social media, in barbershops, and on sports talk shows for years. But recently, the conversation reached new heights when none other than Shaquille O’Neal decided to weigh in during an episode of TNT’s Inside the NBA.

What followed was a candid, fiery, and ultimately fair assessment from one of the game’s most dominant legends—a moment that left fans and analysts buzzing.

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The Debate Reaches TNT

The latest episode of Inside the NBA began like any other. Ernie Johnson, the show’s steady and professional host, opened the night with highlights from recent playoff games. Charles Barkley cracked jokes about his golf swing, Kenny Smith offered his usual sharp analysis, and Shaquille O’Neal sat back in his chair, looking relaxed but ready to pounce on any opportunity to stir the pot.

But as the show progressed, Ernie brought up the topic that had been dominating NBA headlines for weeks: Stephen Curry. Specifically, he asked the panel to address the growing debate about whether Curry could be considered the “successor” to Michael Jordan.

“Alright, guys,” Ernie said, glancing at his co-hosts. “This is a big one. People are saying that Stephen Curry, with his championships, his MVPs, and his impact on the game, might be the closest thing we’ve seen to Michael Jordan. What do you think? Is Curry the heir to MJ?”

The question hung in the air for a moment. Charles Barkley was the first to speak, as usual.

“Look, I love Steph,” Barkley said. “He’s the greatest shooter we’ve ever seen, no question about it. But Michael Jordan? Come on, man. That’s a whole different level. Michael dominated the game in every way—offense, defense, leadership. Steph’s amazing, but he’s not Michael.”

Kenny Smith nodded in agreement. “I think what people are really saying,” he added, “is that Steph is the face of this era, just like Michael was the face of his era. But being the face of an era doesn’t make you Michael Jordan. It just makes you great in your own way.”

All eyes then turned to Shaq, whose opinion was the most anticipated. The big man leaned forward, his massive frame towering over the desk, and spoke with the authority of someone who had played against Jordan and witnessed Curry’s rise firsthand.

Shaq’s Take: A Fair and Honest Answer

“Let me tell you something,” Shaq began, his deep voice commanding the attention of everyone in the studio. “I’ve played against Michael Jordan. I’ve seen what that man could do on the court. And I’ve watched Stephen Curry change the game in ways nobody ever thought possible. So here’s the truth: they’re both great, but they’re great in completely different ways.”

Shaq paused, letting his words sink in before continuing.

“Michael Jordan was a killer,” he said. “When you stepped on the court with him, you knew he was coming for your throat. He didn’t just want to beat you—he wanted to destroy you. Six championships, six Finals MVPs, never lost in the Finals. That’s dominance, plain and simple. And don’t forget, he was just as good on defense as he was on offense. Michael could lock you down and drop 40 on you in the same game.”

The panel nodded in agreement, but Shaq wasn’t finished.

“Now, Stephen Curry,” he said, shifting gears. “Steph is different. He’s not trying to overpower you or intimidate you. He’s not built like that. What he does is finesse. He’ll pull up from 35 feet, hit a three in your face, and smile while he’s doing it. He’s changed the way basketball is played. Kids today don’t want to dunk—they want to shoot threes like Steph. He’s made the game faster, more exciting, and more skill-based. You can’t deny his impact.”

Shaq’s Verdict

After laying out his case, Shaq delivered his final verdict on the debate.

“So is Steph the successor to Michael Jordan?” he said. “No. Nobody is. Michael Jordan is one of one. There will never be another Michael Jordan, just like there will never be another Shaquille O’Neal, another Charles Barkley, or another Kenny Smith. But that doesn’t mean Steph isn’t great. He’s just great in his own way.”

Shaq’s answer was met with applause from the studio audience and praise from his co-hosts. Even Charles Barkley, who often butts heads with Shaq, nodded in agreement.

“That’s the smartest thing you’ve said all year, big fella,” Barkley joked, earning a laugh from the crowd.

The Fans React

As expected, Shaq’s comments quickly went viral. Clips of his speech were shared across social media, with fans and analysts praising his fair and balanced take on the debate.

“Shaq nailed it,” one fan tweeted. “MJ and Steph are both legends, but they’re legends in their own way. We don’t need to compare them.”

Others appreciated Shaq’s acknowledgment of Curry’s impact on the game. “Finally, someone gives Steph the credit he deserves,” another user wrote. “He’s not MJ, but he’s changed basketball forever.”

Of course, not everyone agreed. Some Jordan loyalists argued that even mentioning Curry in the same sentence as MJ was disrespectful, while Curry fans insisted that his influence on the game made him just as important as Jordan.

A New Perspective on Greatness

Shaq’s comments sparked a larger conversation about how we define greatness in basketball. For years, the GOAT debate has been dominated by comparisons—Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James, Kobe Bryant vs. Tim Duncan, and now Stephen Curry vs. MJ. But Shaq’s take offered a refreshing perspective: greatness doesn’t have to be measured by direct comparisons. Instead, it can be appreciated in its own unique context.

“Why do we always have to compare?” Shaq said later in the show. “Why can’t we just appreciate greatness when we see it? Michael was great. Steph is great. LeBron is great. They’re all different, but they’ve all changed the game in their own way.”

The Legacy of Stephen Curry

In the end, Shaq’s comments didn’t settle the debate, but they did provide a thoughtful and nuanced perspective. Stephen Curry may never be Michael Jordan, but he doesn’t need to be. His legacy is already secure as the greatest shooter in NBA history and one of the most influential players the game has ever seen.

As for Michael Jordan, his place atop the basketball pantheon remains unchallenged. But even he would likely admit that Curry’s impact on the game is undeniable.

A Moment to Remember

The episode of Inside the NBA where Shaquille O’Neal addressed the “Curry vs. Jordan” debate will go down as one of the most memorable in the show’s history. It was a moment of honesty, insight, and respect—qualities that define not only Shaq but the entire Inside the NBA team.

For fans, it was a reminder that greatness comes in many forms. And for Stephen Curry and Michael Jordan, it was proof that their legacies will continue to inspire debates, discussions, and admiration for generations to come.