Charles Oakley Says Shaquille O'Neal Is The Toughest Player He Had To Guard: “He Was Just Big, And The One Thing He Liked To Do Was Dunk On You."

The Independent

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Charles Oakley was one of the league's best defenders in his time was selected for two All-Defensive teams for his troubles. He was an elite-level rim protector but he was outclassed by Shaquille O'Neal in the paint.

According to Sportscasting, Oakley acknowledges O'Neal's strength, calling him a force.

“Shaq was tough. He was just big, and the one thing he liked to do was dunk on you. He never dunked on me, but he was a force, though. I give him credit. Skill-wise, Kevin McHale in the post, Tim Duncan. Karl Malone, but he just flopped too much for me.”

It will not be a reach if Shaq is crowned the most dominant player in league history. Of course, many have their preferred candidates, but it is difficult to imagine anyone with as much force as Big Shaq in the league. Even NBA Analyst Stephen A Smith has also boldly declared Shaq as the most dominant force in NBA history.

Not often do you hear of NBA players saying they are scared playing against someone. But Scottie Pippen, who is one of the best defenders in NBA history, said that Shaq is the only player he ever feared on the court.

Against Oakley, O'Neal did not face a lot of restrictions. They met 25 times in the NBA, and Shaq won 14 of those meetings. Added to that was a 25.8-point and 11.7-rebound averages against Oakley.

Big Diesel also recognizes Oakley's brute strength, as he was one of four players he was willing to partner up going into a cage match. Larry Johnson, Gary Trent, and Xavier McDaniel were the other former players he will take to a cage match.

Big Shaq finished his career averaging 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 58.2% from the field. His dominance earned him four NBA championships, three Finals MVP awards, regular-season MVP, and 15 All-Star appearances.