“I know he was breaking backboards and stuff…” Dwight Howard is Orlando Magic GOAT over Shaquille O’Neal, claims Gilbert Arenas

Shaquille O'Neal won more championships than Dwight Howard but had his best years away from the Orlando Magic.


“I know he was breaking backboards and stuff…” Dwight Howard is Orlando Magic GOAT over Shaquille O’Neal, claims Gilbert Arenas

Shaquille O'Neal, Dwight Howard and Gilbert Arenas (Via Yahoo Sports/AfroTech)

The Orlando Magic share some glorious history with not one, but two dominant centers who stood out in the Blue and White jerseys: Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard. There’s no doubt both players have left an indelible mark on the franchise. But the debate arises – who is the GOAT for the Orlando Magic uniform? Well, Gilbert Arenas is the one with all the answers.

YouTube video

In a recent episode of the Nightcap Show podcast, Shannon Sharpe was talking about how O’Neal’s number 32 jersey was about to get retired. Sharpe followed it up by claiming that Shaq is the best player in the franchise’s history. But Gilbert Arenas, who was present in the episode as well, didn’t seem to agree, claiming:

[Howard's] resume is just bigger than Shaq's in that jersey. The better player, of course, talent-wise, Shaq. But in that jersey, it's Dwight [Howard].

It’s a difficult question to answer, given both started their careers with Orlando Magic and went on to dominate with the Los Angeles Lakers. As far as talent goes, there is no doubt Shaquille O’Neal is one of, if not, the best Center in the history of the NBA. But in terms of the impact they had on the Orlando Magic, there is no doubt Howard enjoyed individually his best years at the franchise.

FS Video

With countless Defensive accolades to mouth-dropping highlights, there is no doubt that Howard is one the best players to have ever represented the Magic in the NBA.

Fans react to Gilbert’s takes on the debate

After the video circulated on the internet, fans were quick to give their side of the story. And while it was a statement argument from Arenas, it seems almost all the fans were backing up his argument.

Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard (Via X)
Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard (Via Open Source, X)

There wasn’t much debate as almost everyone agreed on the arguments presented by the former Washington Wizards star.

https://twitter.com/highrollerhoops/status/1745946045652050425

Both Shaq and Dwight Howard are regarded as two of the best centers the league has seen in the previous generation. While O’Neal undoubtedly had the better overall career, it’s Dwight Howard who is in the driver’s seat regarding the Orlando Magic’s GOAT debate.

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