Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal weighed in on the evolving role of centers in today’s NBA, rejecting the idea that the traditional big man has made a widespread return. During a recent appearance on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike, O’Neal argued that only Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama currently embody the archetype that once defined dominant interior play.
O’Neal, whose career was built on physical dominance in the paint, suggested that height alone no longer qualifies a player for the label. Instead, he emphasized interior scoring, post presence and physical advantage as the defining traits of a true big man.
Jokic and Wembanyama Stand Apart in Modern NBA
According to O’Neal, Jokic and Wembanyama separate themselves because they combine size with impactful interior play rather than relying primarily on perimeter skills. While acknowledging the league’s stylistic shift toward spacing and shooting, O’Neal maintained that many modern centers operate more like oversized forwards than traditional big men.
He contrasted today’s game with earlier eras when nearly every team featured a true center anchoring both ends of the floor, noting that current offenses often rely on pick-and-pop actions and perimeter-oriented bigs.
Shaq says he stopped watching NBA:
“I stopped watching basketball five years ago because there aren’t any bigs dominating like I did. The game just isn’t the same.”
(Via @ChrisBHayne) pic.twitter.com/sUdS58rcqr
— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) March 12, 2025
O’Neal Stresses Efficiency and Physical Advantage
O’Neal also addressed how centers should approach scoring within the modern system, stressing efficiency and matchup exploitation rather than stylistic conformity. He explained that dominant size should naturally translate into high-percentage scoring opportunities near the rim, regardless of broader league trends.
His comments reflected a philosophical belief that elite big men should leverage physical advantages first, using perimeter skills as complementary tools rather than primary offensive options.
No one in NBA history made defenses panic like Shaquille O’Neal😤
The league had to change rules just to survive Shaq 🥶pic.twitter.com/RBhN3xglHr
— Wise Michael Jordan (@itsMichaelJ) January 19, 2026
Debate Reflects Continued Evolution of NBA Centers
The discussion highlights the ongoing evolution of the center position as teams increasingly prioritize versatility, shooting and defensive mobility. While players like Jokic and Wembanyama showcase unique blends of interior impact and perimeter skill, the broader debate centers on whether traditional post dominance still holds the same championship value in today’s pace-and-space era.
As the league continues to adapt, O’Neal’s perspective reinforces the divide between classic interior dominance and the modern interpretation of the big man role.
