Shaquille O'Neal or Tim Duncan: Who's Had a Better Career?

The Ultimate Question: Who had a better overall career, Shaquille O'Neal or Tim Duncan?

The Résumé Breakdown

Shaq

Seasons: 17

Career Stats: 24.7 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.3 BPG, 58.2 FG%, 52.8 FT%

Awards: One regular-season MVP; three Finals MVPs, back to back to back

Finals Appearances and Playoff Averages: 6 APP, 25.2 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.2 BPG, 56.4 FG%, 50.1 FT%

Championships: Four

Duncan

Seasons: 12 seasons

Career Stats: 21.4 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 3.2 APG, 2.3 BPG, 50.7 FG%, 68.5 FT%

Awards: Two regular-season MVPs back to back, three Finals MVPs

Finals Appearances and Playoff Averages: 4 APP, 23.3 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2.6 BPG, 50.1 FG%, 68.9 FT%

Championships: Four

Opinion

When looking at both O'Neal's and Duncan's career stats, you notice that their averages are virtually as identical as it gets, with the exception of maybe one more MVP regular season trophy for Duncan and a couple points more per game career wise for O'Neal.

If I was asked the question of who is better, I would have to stick with Tim Duncan because I truly believe that he is the best power forward to have ever played the game of basketball.

While Shaq is truly one phenomenal basketball player, I believe he had a lot more help in winning his rings as opposed to Duncan.

Conclusion

My pick is Tim Duncan, what's yours? Let's debate!