10 Players Once Compared to Shaquille O'Neal

Mike B.

Correspondent Written on September 03, 2009

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In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal, more commonly known as "Shaq," powered his way on to the NBA scene.

He immediately made an impact in the league winning Rookie of the Year honors and helping the Orlando Magic win 20 more games than the previous season.

And later on his career, O'Neal led the Lakers to three consecutive championships from 2000-2002 and then helped the Miami Heat win a title in 2006.

He is hands-down one of the top five centers in NBA history. The 15-time All-Star has won a regular season MVP, three Finals MVPs, and led the league in scoring twice.

Throughout his career legions of players have been anointed "the next Shaq," but the real deal is still soldiering along.

Here is a list of 10 players that have drawn comparisons to the legendary center throughout the years.

Sofoklis Schortsanitis

Although he was selected in the second round of the 2003 draft by the Clippers, Schortsanitis has never logged a single minute in the NBA.

Nicknamed "Baby Shaq," the 6'10" 375-pounder was named to three Greek All-Star teams and also helped the Greek National Team win the silver medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship.

Nathan Jawai

Jawai, currently a member of the Dallas Mavericks, was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft. He was then traded to Toronto in a package that included Jermaine O'Neal.

Nicknamed the "Aussie Shaq," he averaged .3 points and .3 rebounds per game for Toronto in 2008-09.

Greg Oden

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, Oden is one of the most-hyped players to ever enter the NBA.

So far, he has been a bit of a disappointment, though he's only played one season. Hopefully he can escape from the injury bug and develop into the great center that he's supposed to be.

Glen Davis

Davis has only two things in common with Shaq: He played his college basketball at LSU and he's currently in the NBA.

The former second-round pick played well in the 2009 postseason with Boston, filling in for the injured Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe.

His buzzer-beater in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Orlando was one of the most memorable shots of the playoffs.

DeSagana Diop

Diop was supposed to be the center of the future for the Cleveland Cavaliers. But he averaged a meager 1.5 points and 2.3 rebounds during his four seasons with the Cavs.

Diop eventually signed with Dallas, where he became a decent shot-blocker off the bench.

Kendrick Perkins

You don't hear much about Perkins because he is overshadowed by his more famous Boston teammates Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo.

However, Perkins has been a reliable starting center for the Cs over the past few seasons, even though he may heading to the bench with the addition of Rasheed Wallace.

Andrew Bynum

The Lakers drafted Bynum in 2005 hoping he would eventually replace Shaq at center.

When healthy, Bynum has looked pretty good in the purple and gold. However, he'll likely never lead L.A. to three straight titles like Shaq did.

Eddy Curry

Curry was dubbed "Baby Shaq" during his high school days because of his bulky frame.

Unfortunately, the former lottery pick for the Chicago Bulls has never looked much like Shaq in the NBA, despite putting up some solid numbers when healthy.

Amar'e Stoudemire

Stoudemire has drawn comparisons to Shaq because of his tremendous power and ability to dunk on anyone in the league.

He played with O'Neal for a season and a half with Phoenix, creating one of the most intimidating frontcourt duos.

The 2003 Rookie of the Year has been selected to four All-Star teams. He will also be one of the most sought-after free agents in the summer of 2010.

Dwight Howard

Just like Shaq, Dwight Howard is nicknamed "Superman" and was drafted No. 1 overall by the Magic. And also like Shaq, he has led Orlando to a NBA Finals appearance.

His resume also includes a Defensive Player of the Year award, three All-Star appearances, and a slam dunk contest title.

When it's all said and done, Howard may very well go down as one of the greatest big men of all time.

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