Shaq: Duncan isn't one of the greatest 'big men' in NBA history
Shaquille O'Neal's definition of what an NBA "big man" is may differ from most, and while it's up for discussion as to what constitutes a true basketball big, the soon-to-be Hall of Famer doesn't feel that Tim Duncan belongs in that category.
Duncan recently announced his retirement from the NBA following a legendary 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs, where he won five championships and was named Most Valuable Player on two occasions. As is the case with any newly-retired athlete the caliber of Duncan, debates begin to arise over where such a talent ranks in the history of the league.
As far as O'Neal is concerned, anyone praising The Big Fundamental as an all-time big man should take a good hard look at what position he played.
"I only have one beef with how they're throwing this around," O'Neal said during a recent edition of "The Big Podcast with Shaq." "They're saying he's one of the greatest big men. Do you count power forwards as big men? Because I don't.
"I was always taught that the big man was a center. I know we got new rules and they don't have the center spot no more, but no."
While Duncan is being hailed as one of, if not the greatest power forward of all time, the 15-time All-Star actually played 70 percent of his minutes at center from the 2000-01 campaign onward, including 99 percent during his final season with the Spurs.
When asked to name who he believes are the top players in NBA history, O'Neal listed off some surprising names while excluding some fellow giants of the hardwood: Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
- with h/t to Yahoo Sports