Shaq Says Only One Player Showed No Fear Before Playing Against Him

Standing at 7’1”, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal spooked a lot of his opponents during his 19-year career.

But, there was one player who didn’t seem phased by O’Neal: Tim Duncan. O’Neal didn’t hesitate when naming Duncan, who stands at 6’11”, as the player who showed no fear when facing him during their playing days.

The four-time NBA champion detailed a story on his The Big Podcast in which him and Duncan exchanged looks on the court. That’s when O’Neal knew Duncan wasn’t bothered by him.

“I was looking at him, I’m bouncing, and he’s going and I’m going and he’s bouncing back and I was like s---,” O’Neal said.

Shaq says Tim Duncan is the only player who showed no fear before playing against him

(???? @bigpodwithshaq / https://t.co/iNYMmum1a0) pic.twitter.com/0CvocDzCUi

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 19, 2024

It took O’Neal a few years into his career to face Duncan, though, as the San Antonio Spurs legend’s first season was in 1997. O’Neal was in his sixth season by then.

O’Neal and Duncan dominated the NBA for years as Duncan’s Spurs won five titles with him, and O’Neal won three with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat.