Shaq graces our TV screens on Tuesdays and Thursdays after the NFL season is over. Inside the NBA is a fan favorite with Shaq and Chuck’s friendly banter, honest but at times harsh takes, and Shaqtin A Fool. It has nearly been a decade since the Lakers Big Man played in the NBA. However, he is just as relevant today and surprising growing fan following each day.
Shaquille O’Neal was unguardable in his prime and led the league in FG% for the most part of his career. He thankfully left the NBA before it was mandatory for even the centers to develop a jump shot thanks to Stephen Curry. Defenders couldn’t control a 7’1 giant like Shaq in the paint and he capitalized on it very well.
Many believe Shaq is one of the tallest players in NBA history but the reality is far from it. Surprisingly, the Hall of Famer is not even in the Top 30 let alone being the tallest.
How tall is Shaq?
The 4x champion Shaquille O’Neal is 7’1 and 325lbs. He was a beast on the offensive end and scoring over him was just as hard for opponents. He was the primary reason behind the Lakers’ three-peat.
It is a common misconception that big men necessarily dominate in the NBA. Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hakeem Olajuwon certainly used it to their advantage. However, being tall does not guarantee success in pro basketball.
The tallest player in NBA history is Gheorghe Mureșan at 7 ft 7 in. He played for the Washington Bullets and New Jersey Nets before the turn of the century. His career was short-lived but he did make it to the #1 spot on a historic list in league history.
Even the hardcore NBA fans might not know about Gerotghe which only proves that height is not everything in basketball. Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest in league history and it should not be discredited because of his physical attributes. His dominance in the paint was unparalleled in the 90s and 00s.