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NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal’s eye-opening take on facing peak Michael Jordan

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Joshua Valdez | Last updated 5/7/24

One of the most entertaining aspects of NBA interviews is seeing fellow legends give each other props. Michael Jordan, of course, is one of the most talked about former players when people discuss the league’s history.

15-time NBA All-Star Shaquille O’Neal spoke about the icon via his The Big Podcast.

“I don’t know what God looks like, It’s like seeing God”

– Shaq on the aura of prime Michael Jordan

Full JJ Redick episode here https://t.co/WsQ6OHLG4I pic.twitter.com/itKCSTA2Q0

— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) May 1, 2024

It’s not often that mere mortals get compared to the man above, but it’s happened multiple times with Jordan. On April 20th, 1986, Celtics legend Larry Bird was so impressed with Jordan’s 63-point performance in their playoff bout that he said it was “God disguised as Michael Jordan,” via Harvey Glassbrook of Sports Illustrated.

On the podcast episode with JJ Redick Wednesday, O’Neal echoed Bird’s sentiments. Redick asked him what it was like sharing the floor with Jordan in 1992, O’Neal’s rookie year.

“I don’t know what God looks like, it’s like seeing God,” “Shaq” said. “Because the stuff that he did on TV, and then you see it in real life. It’s like ‘oh my God, this is really real.'”

Newer NBA fans may not be fully aware of Jordan’s greatness. How was he able to make fellow world-class athletes compare him to a higher power?

The NBA may never have another player like Michael Jordan

NBA former player Shaquille O'Neill takes a selfie with Marshall Manning, son of Peyton Manning (not pictured) before game one of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. © Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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