The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, 26-years-old, is the reigning NBA MVP and one of the most dominant players in the league. Shaquille O’Neal, also 26 years old, is regarded as the best player of his generation and was a 12-time All-Star. What are their career stats?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant players in the NBA, but what about Shaquille O’Neal? They are both on the same team and have played for an average of six years. The question is who has been more successful at age 26?
Timeout Hoops is to thank for this.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship since 1971, capping off one of the greatest playoff campaigns in recent memory. Giannis was incredible in the playoffs, averaging 30.2 points and 12.8 rebounds per game and establishing himself as the greatest player on the planet.
Shaquille O’Neal eventually gave up his moniker, “Superman,” to another player because the Greek Freak was so outstanding. Giannis was Superman this season in many ways, especially after shutting out the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 with a 50-point effort. But does Giannis’ accomplishments at 26 years old surpass those of Shaquille O’Neal? It’s time to make a choice.
Seasonal Information
Shaquille O’Neal averages 26.3 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game, 2.3 assists per game, 0.7 steals per game, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Giannis) Antetokounmpo (Giannis Antet8.1 points per game, 11.0 rebounds per game, 5.9 assists per game, 1.2 steals per game, 1.2 blocks per game
Giannis may have the better season numbers and overall domination, but that is partly due to the period in which he is playing. In today’s game, there are many more possessions, and the absence of defensive resistance means that a player of Antetokounmpo’s stature can put up incredible numbers.
However, Giannis is unquestionably a better playmaker and athlete than O’Neal, despite the fact that Shaq was a much larger and stronger old-school center. Shaq’s numbers were amazing in his day, and he was the league’s most dominating player, so there isn’t much to distinguish the two guys in that respect.
Added benefit:
NBA Championships
0 Shaquille O’Neal Shaquille O’Neal Shaquille O’Neal Shaqui
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Giannis Antetokounmpo): 1
Giannis has joined an exclusive group of NBA winners since he is just 26 years old and has led his club to a championship. Giannis did not demand a trade to another club in order to do this, giving the Bucks time to develop a contender around him. Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday are All-Star level players, but neither will be inducted into the Hall of Fame and formed a respectable Big Three rather than a superteam.
Shaq was waiting for a young Kobe Bryant to develop so they could win as a team, and O’Neal would become an NBA champion at the age of 27. By the time he was 30, O’Neal had already won three championships in a row. Giannis, on the other hand, was able to get there faster without the help of a superteam, capturing the championship at the young age of 26.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has the upper hand.
MVP (Most Valuable Player) Awards
0 Shaquille O’Neal Shaquille O’Neal Shaquille O’Neal Shaqui
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 2
For some strange reason, Shaquille O’Neal only has one MVP Award to his credit. O’Neal has a strong case for earning one of Steve Nash’s MVP awards, and he should be a multiple-time MVP. Shaq, on the other hand, had not won an MVP Award by the time he was 26. Giannis Antetokounmpo, on the other hand, did.
In 2019 and 2020, Giannis earned back-to-back MVP Awards, leading his club to the best record in the league on both occasions. Antetokounmpo’s ability to score, defend, and set up teammates throughout those seasons was unrivaled, which is why he beats out Shaquille O’Neal for the award.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has the upper hand.
Awards for Defensive Player of the Year
0 Shaquille O’Neal Shaquille O’Neal Shaquille O’Neal Shaqui
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Giannis Antetokounmpo): 1
Many people say that O’Neal did not put his heart and soul into practice or defense, but this is untrue. On defense, O’Neal was a force around the rim because to his sheer size and agility. While he struggled to defend faster centers like as Hakeem Olajuwon, he was a capable defender who averaged 1.7 BPG at the age of 26.
However, O’Neal lacked the flexibility of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who can guard all five spots. At the age of 25, Giannis was so outstanding on defense that he was named Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 1.0 SPG and 1.0 BPG. By the age of 26, Giannis was a better all-around defender than O’Neal, despite the fact that O’Neal was a superior shot blocker.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has the upper hand.
Appearances by All-Stars
Shaquille O’Neal (6 points)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Giannis Antetokounmpo): 5
Giannis has grown into perhaps the greatest player in the league, but becoming an All-Star took him four years. Giannis earned the All-Rookie Team in his debut season, averaging 6.8 points and 4.4 rebounds, but no one expected him to develop so quickly. At the age of 22, the Greek Freak was named Most Improved Player and made his first All-Star Team in his fourth season.
Shaquille O’Neal, on the other hand, was a superstar from the moment he walked onto an NBA court. In his first season, the Diesel averaged 23.4 points per game and 13.9 rebounds per game, winning Rookie of the Year. Shaq had made the All-Star Team every year by the age of 26 and was a superior player than Giannis earlier in his career.
Shaquille O’Neal has the upper hand.
Conclusion
In terms of influence, numbers, and accomplishments, it’s difficult to dispute that Giannis Antetokounmpo had a greater career by the age of 26 than Shaquille O’Neal. While O’Neal was a more physically strong player who made an additional All-Star appearance, he lacked The Greek Freak’s success.
On an individual and team level, Giannis’ accomplishments by the age of 26 are really remarkable. Giannis has established himself as the league’s top defender and most dominating all-around player. Along with his NBA title and Finals MVP, he has two MVPs and a Defensive Player of the Year Award. While Giannis still has a ways to go to overtake Shaq as the greatest all-time player, he was the superior player by the time he was 26.
Timeout Hoops deserves credit for the concept.
Next
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Who had a better postseason run: Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021 or Dirk Nowitzki in 2011?
Michael Jordan and LeBron James against. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shaquille O’Neal, Team No. 23 vs. Team No. 34
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