Shaquille O'Neal can sometimes be a polarizing figure. He's immensely popular for both his days as the league's most physically dominant player ever and as an "analyst" for TNT's Inside the NBA game coverage show. He, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson are endlessly entertaining on set, but can definitely ruffle some feathers at times.
Well, Shaq did just that with a controversial ranking of today's top-five NBA players, which he gave in July on the Off the Record podcast. He was sure to show some love to the newly-minted champion Oklahoma City Thunder, but left off a few names that are sure to get people stirring.
If there's one thing we know about Shaq, it's that he values championship rings. Does he value them too much in this ranking, and does it even make sense?
PG: Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry Warriors
Shaq starts off his lineup with a controversial selection at point guard: Stephen Curry. Curry is arguably the greatest point guard in league history, and is certainly a top-20 player of all-time, but his status as the best at his position currently is tenuous at best. If you consider him a point guard despite his forward-level size, Luka Doncic was snubbed here.
Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton, and Cade Cunningham are the new age of PG's in the East. All of whom had arguably better seasons than the 37-year-old Curry. Nevertheless, O'Neal chose Curry for his best starting lineup of current players, and it's a fine selection, as Steph is still one of the game's best big-game performers and would fit perfectly with any lineup.
Curry is obviously a four-time champion, two-time MVP, Finals MVP, and an 11-time All-Star and All-NBA member. However, none of that helps him much with being the current choice at PG. Well, Curry is still an outstanding guard because of his never-ending three-point range, off-ball movement, and overall skillset and leadership.
Steph would improve the spacing of any offense because he requires attention anywhere on the floor. He moves better off the ball to create shots for himself and teammates than anyone, and he's a solid playmaker. His defense has even become league average with increased strength and attention to detail.
Lastly, Curry is just the best leader in basketball. He would tie together all of this team's talent and maximize their potential.
SG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Thunder
With his first nod to recent championship winners, Shaquille O'Neal chose Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his shooting guard spot. Coming off an NBA Finals MVP, league MVP, and helping OKC hoist its first championship, SGA is on top of the league right now. He's easily the best guard in basketball, surpassing peers like Doncic, Anthony Edwards, and Curry himself in 2024-25.
In 2025, SGA averaged an eye-popping 32.7 points (won the scoring title), 6.4 assists, and 1.7 steals. He did all of that on tremendous efficiency, posting 51.9% from the field and 37.5% from deep. In the postseason, Shai was OKC's most reliable weapon, putting up 29.9 PPG on his way to a title.
Alexander has averaged 30-plus points a night for three straight seasons now, cementing himself as the best scorer in basketball. He's an improving playmaker as he gets more experience, and his defense, while OKC's weak-link, is still well above average.
Simply put, SGA is a near-flawless player who continues to improve his weaknesses at an alarming rate due to his incredible work ethic. He'd be an awesome fit on this team of superstars.
SF: Jalen Williams
Jalen Williams OKC Thunder
Here's where it really gets fascinating. At small forward, O'Neal chose Jalen Williams, once again giving credit to the most recent champions. There are still two picks left, but Shaq is laying the foundation for leaving several legends out of this lineup.
This is not to say that Williams hasn't earned his spot with his exploits last season; in fact, he made an emphatic argument as the league's best small forward with his playoff run. In the regular year, Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 48.4% from the field and 36.5% from deep. He earned All-Star, All-NBA third team, and All-Defensive Second Team honors.
In just year three, Williams improved on many of his glaring weaknesses to help drive OKC to its first ever title. At the ripe age of 23, Williams became a better passer, shooter, and on-ball scorer as the second option to SGA. Although Jalen had his struggles during the playoff run with efficiency, he silenced the doubters with several big games, including a 40-ball in Game 5 of the Finals.
What really cements Williams as a legitimate choice for the SF position is his defense. He's easily one of the ten best defenders in basketball right now, capable of shutting down the opponent's best scorer on a nightly basis. He, along with Luguentz Dort, did that for OKC on their way to a title.
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks
At the four, Shaq picked Giannis Antetokounmpo, who, like he was, is the most physically dominant player in the sport currently. Antetokounmpo must be on any list ranking top current players, as he's been a top-three guy in basketball since around 2018-19.
Giannis has averaged at least 27.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game for seven straight seasons, placing him top-four in MVP voting every year since 2019. With two league MVPs, a title and Finals MVP, a DPOY, and nine All-NBA teams, Giannis is knocking on the door of top-ten all-time.
The Greek Freak is one of the most accomplished two-way superstars by age 30 that we've ever seen. He's now figuring out his future as Milwaukee's contention window has expired, but Giannis still has an argument as the best player in the league. His combination of athleticism, strength, and seven-foot size with great playmaking vision has elevated him to new heights.
Antetokounmpo is the modern-day Wilt Chamberlain in many ways. With that said, choosing him at PF confirms that LeBron James and Kevin Durant will be left off the list, despite their legendary status. Is O'Neal off his rocker, or have both KD and LeBron declined more than fans want to admit?
C: Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic
At center, Shaq went with the only plausible choice: Nikola Jokic. Jokic, who is considered the best player in the league by most, is arguably the greatest offensive talent we've ever seen. The Serbian has a rare combination of unreal scoring efficiency from every spot on the floor and the best passing skill ever from a big man.
Jokic is relentlessly efficient as a scorer, with a 63.8% true shooting that ranks fourth all-time. His sheer size and strength makes him immovable in the paint, and he has better touch around the rim than anyone. Jokic's vision and talent as a passer make him a joy to play with as the most unselfish superstar in basketball. He makes everyone around him better, while still dominating himself.
Nikola also became the third player to average a triple-double for a season, doing it in 2024-25. If you can believe it, Jokic gets even better in the playoffs, and is the most reliable big-game player there is. Even as he crosses over to the wrong side of 30, there's no player better currently than Nikola Jokic.