Shaq: Steph 'kept proving me wrong, that's why he's my best player'

Shaquille O'Neal says Stephen Curry's ability to prove him wrong is why he has become his favorite player in the NBA.

On the latest episode of "All The Smoke" with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, O'Neal said he used to be critical of Curry but the Golden State Warriors star eventually made him eat his words.

"I used to hate on him early on in his career," O'Neal said. "(I'd say), 'He ain't gonna make that,' but he kept proving me wrong and that's why he's my best player.

"I like being proved wrong, so my message to these young cats: When I say something, prove me wrong."

O'Neal also spoke about Curry's impact on the game of basketball, particularly on younger generations.

"Steph probably is the most influential player when it comes to little people, right? 'Cause I see a lot of little guards - like little kids - I'm going to these tournaments, they're doing stuff I can't even do," O'Neal said. "And it's good, and bad."