The impact of Michael Jordan’s legacy continues to be a subject of intense discussion within NBA circles, even years after his retirement. Among those who have openly expressed their awe and fear of Jordan is none other than Shaquille O’Neal.

During an episode of The Big Podcast, Shaq candidly admitted that he, like many players of his era, was intimidated by Jordan on the basketball court.

The conversation arose during a debate on NBA’s greatest players, where Shaq and Mario Chalmers discussed the reverence players had for Jordan compared to today’s biggest star, LeBron James. Shaq pointed out that while LeBron may not inspire fear in his contemporaries, Jordan certainly did in the late 1980s and 1990s. Shaq, known for his dominant presence on the court, humbly included himself among those who were cautious of Jordan’s formidable aura.

Shaq’s fear of Jordan
Shaq has spoken about this fear on other platforms as well. About two years ago, on the IMPAULSIVE podcast, he elaborated further, describing Jordan as the only player who ever truly terrified him. Shaq explained that this fear was partly rooted in his deep admiration for Jordan, which only grew when he faced MJ on the court and witnessed firsthand the skills that had made Jordan a global icon.

“He is the only man that had me terrified on the court,” Shaq recalled. “I went from high school, admiring him, to college, admiring him, and then he is right there in front of you, doing all the things you’ve seen on posters in real life. He came by me so fast sometimes, I was like, ‘Oh, s**t’. Yeah, I was terrified.”

Despite his physical advantage-standing 7 feet 1 inch tall with a 7-foot-4 wingspan-Shaq couldn’t shake the intimidation he felt from the 6-foot-6 Jordan. This fear was not unfounded; after Shaq’s Orlando Magic eliminated the Chicago Bulls in the 1995 playoffs, Jordan returned the following season with a vengeance. He led the Bulls to a 4-0 sweep over Shaq’s Magic in the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals, averaging 29.5 points per game.

Shaq’s admission of fear highlights the psychological edge Jordan had over his opponents. This relentless drive to dominate was a hallmark of Jordan’s career and contributed significantly to his legendary status. Stories from other players, like Steve Kerr’s recollection of a 1988 exhibition game where Jordan effortlessly humiliated an opponent before laughing at the bench, further underscore the mystique that surrounded Jordan.

Shaq’s fear of Michael Jordan didn’t surprise the basketball world; rather, it reinforced the unparalleled legacy that he left behind. Jordan’s ability to inspire both admiration and fear in his peers is a testament to his greatness, cementing his place as one of the most formidable competitors in NBA history.