In the early 90's the NBA landscape was controlled by big men. Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and Patrick Ewing were coming into their prime while Kareem and Robert Parrish were making their graceful exits. It was the perfect time for Shaquille O'Neal to enter the league and change it forever.
At 7'1 330 pounds Shaq had a combination of size and athleticism no one had ever seen before. His strength was unmatched and he was deceptively quick. Within 3 years no one could guard him. In addition to his basketball ability Shaq had a charm and charisma that made him extremely marketable. His playful personality and quirky humor made him into an endorsement magnet. LA was the ideal place for Shaq to cash in on both of his talents.
The LA experience was fittingly dramatic. Shaq emerged as the dominant player in the NBA, but was forced to share the spotlight with a young and arrogant Kobe Bryant. Thew two bumped heads in an epic power struggle. Although the dynamic duo won 3 championships together management ultimately sided with Kobe and Shaq was forced to take his talents to South Beach (sound familiar?). He teamed up with D Wade and won another championship solidifying his place in history as one of the greatest big men to ever play the game.
Shortly after the 2006 season Shaq's skills started to diminish and he bounced around the league from Miami to Phoenix to Cleveland to Boston. Due to injury his career came to an end yesterday. Shaq will undoubtedly be remembered for his feud with Kobe, but let's not forget about his legacy on the court. Shaq dominated his era like no other player and his 4 championships are a testament to his greatness.
Big men once roamed the NBA in abundance and now they are practically extinct. Aside from Dwight Howard no one else even commands a double team. Shaq will go down in history as the last great big man. Before him there were many, but after him there will be none. Shaq was the last of a dying breed. Sorry to see you go.
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