“Who the f**k is that?” Shaquille O’Neal launches a verbal attack on Chris Russo over his disrespectful comments, claims he’s the best center of all-time

Shaquille O'Neal responded to Chris Russo's claim that he was not one of the most dominant big men of all time.

“Who the f**k is that?” Shaquille O’Neal launches a verbal attack on Chris Russo over his disrespectful comments, claims he’s the best center of all-time

Shaquille O'Neal responds to Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo about his comments on where he places Shaq in the best all-time center's list (image via Open Source/X)

Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo is a senior writer and co-host on ESPN. His recent comments about where he positions NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal in the list of best centers ever to play the game drew a lot of flak from fans, media, and even his colleagues Stephen A. Smith and Jay Williams.

That claim by Russo was brought to Shaquille O’Neal‘s attention during the inaugural episode of his official The Big Podcast with Shaq show on YouTube. Co-host of the podcast Adam Lefkoe played his part as Russo mentions O’Neal as probably the 5th best center in NBA history. Los Angeles Lakers great O’Neal responded with fury.

“Who the f*ck is that?"

O’Neal started off with a rigid jibe.

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He went on to reiterate his stand as one of the best centers to ever play the game. He said to Lefkoe;

"I’m the most dominant center ever. I don’t ever wanna hear another name again"

O’Neal clarified that he beat Houston Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon and passed Moses Malone in the standings a few years before he retired. Hence. he essentially cleared out two names that Russo considered above O’Neal during the First Take rant.

Chris Russo was countered by Stephen A. Smith and Jay Williams on First Take itself. The two gave examples of how O’Neal was far better than the players he thought were in the top 5.

Shaquille O’Neal and a career full of dominance

Shaquille O’Neal, the 7′ 1″ center played in the NBA for 19 seasons. His dominance was there to see from the moment he stepped on the court. Using his size and strength, O’Neal made defenders look weak. O’Neal’s dominance meant that opposing big men often had no choice but to be fouled out, such was the impact of O’Neal’s game at his prime.

Shaquille O'Neal reiterated that he is the most dominant center to ever play the game
Shaquille O’Neal reiterated that he is the most dominant center to ever play the game (Image via Pinterest & Etsy)

O’Neal is a four-time NBA champion, three-time NBA Finals MVP, and 15-time All-Star and garnered a range of other accolades throughout his career. However, that is still not enough to clarify the dominance and impact on the game of basketball that O’Neal had. Opposing teams had to draw up game plans specifically keeping the player in mind.

While Russo obviously made his feelings known, Shaquille O’Neal was quick to respond, and made it a point to remind people about the kind of dominance he enjoyed in the NBA.

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