O Neal s history starts 5 tigers are exposed! Curry and Kobe were selected, and the reason for James s elimination is found!

Recently, NBA legendary center Shaquille O'Neal announced his best starting lineup in history on the "New Heights" program. Curry was selected and James was eliminated. After giving this list, O'Neal also confidently stated that "no one can beat this team." Let’s take a look at O’Neal’s history in his mind who has the five-man team?

"I choose Curry at the number one position"

In the starting point guard position, O'Neal said Curry's name without hesitation. Curry has always been named "No. 1 Scorer in NBA history". He relied on his ultra-long three-point range to reshape the spatial logic of basketball. His ability to run without the ball and his creativity in holding the ball perfectly matches any system. He is the creator and pioneer of the small ball era. As of this season, Curry has made 4,058 three-pointers with a super high shooting rate of 42.3, ranking first in NBA history in this data. In O'Neal's lineup, Curry's "Cury has gravity" can maximize the pulling of opponents' defense and create space for teammates' singles and breakthroughs. So far in his career, Curry has won 4 championships, 2 MVPs (including the only unanimous MVP in history), and 1 FMVP. His position as a leader in the small ball era is undisputed.

"I will choose Kobe in the second position"

In the position of shooting guard, O'Neal still chose his old partner Kobe after thinking. Kobe has always been known for his "offensive kaleidoscope". He is proficient in various back-to-body singles and emergency stop jump shots, and has a combination of offense and defense. He has been selected as one defense nine times in his career and is extremely oppressive in his close body. In O'Neal's lineup, Kobe can assume the core role of the outside defense, make up for Curry's defensive shortcomings, and at the same time form a "double ending arrow" with Curry. Throughout his career, Kobe has won 5 championships (one three consecutive championships), 2 FMVPs and 1 MVP. His total score of 33,643 points ranks fourth in NBA history, and his "Mamba Spirit" has also surpassed basketball itself.

"I will give Jordan the third position"

In the small forward position, O'Neal chose Jordan, the God of Basketball. Although Jordan played as a shooting guard throughout his career, O'Neal still believes that Jordan can be competent for the starting small forward. Jordan's dominance is unquestionable. He has no blind spots on both ends of offense and defense. The miracles of 10 scoring champions, 9 defenses, and the 87-88 MVP+DPOY double-level winners are the best proof. His mid-range jump shots and breakthrough finishing abilities are top-notch in history, and his key ball ability (8 playoffs 50+) is the first in history. In this lineup, Jordan occupies the core position of the forward line, and his ability to without the ball and threat of holding the ball can be seamlessly switched, and he can dominate the game without a lot of ball rights. Throughout his career, Jordan won 6 championships, 6 FMVPs, and 5 MVPs. He is recognized as the first in history, and his global influence is unparalleled. He is the founder of the NBA's commercialization and globalization.

"I choose Duncan at the fourth position"

In the position of power forward, O'Neal chose his old opponent Stonefo Duncan. Duncan is famous for his "big basic skills". His low-post back-playing, pick-and-roll support and defensive coverage (15 best defense teams) can build a team's defensive system. Its characteristics of not occupying the ball and having high ball merchandising are perfectly adapted to the superstar lineup, which can withstand the inside pressure of the team and provide stable rebounds and frame protection. Throughout his career, Duncan has won 5 championships, 3 FMVPs and 2 MVPs. He is the undisputed power forward in history and the founder of the Spurs dynasty.

"The fifth position is myself"

In the center position, O'Neal chose himself very confidently. At the peak, O'Neal has an absolute strength advantage at the basket. His shooting percentage in the penalty area (career 58.2) and defensive deterrence can completely dominate the inside offense and defense. With Curry's three-pointer, Kobe's breakthrough pass, and Jordan's mid-range, O'Neal's destructive power under the basket will be even more terrifying. Throughout his career, O'Neal has won 4 championships, 3 FMVPs and 1 MVP. He is one of the most dominant centers in history.

Finally, O'Neal also mentioned his old teammate James. O'Neal said: "But I hate ranking this kind of list. I don't know how you edit it. Some people who don't like us will say that Shaq didn't choose LeBron. This kind of disagreement is unnecessary."

Then why O'Neal didn't choose his old teammate James, the contradiction of adaptability may be the main reason. Most of O'Neal's choices are "efficient without the ball + defensive champion" players: Curry's running and pulling, Kobe's defensive biting, and Duncan's support for screening, all serving Jordan and O'Neal's ending core roles. James's career is famous for his "ball-holding core" and needs to be built around it, which is contrary to the concept of "functional complementarity" advocated by O'Neal.

In fact, O'Neal's best lineup reflects the diverse values ​​of basketball: Curry's innovation, Kobe's paranoia, Jordan's perfection, Duncan's calmness, and O'Neal's dominance. They jointly interpret the true meaning of "team first". James' defeat is a proof of the "no unique standard" in the basketball world - the best lineup in history can be without the "all-round king", but it cannot be without the puzzle with extreme functions. Perhaps as O'Neal said: "This kind of argument is unnecessary." Because the charm of basketball is never in the victory or defeat of a paper lineup, but in how players who define the era can illuminate the soul of the sport with unique light. What do you think about this? Who are the five starters in your heart? Everyone is welcome to express their opinions!