Lou Williams, a seasoned NBA player who has witnessed the league’s transformation over the years, recently expressed skepticism about Shaquille O’Neal’s claim that he could average 40 points per game in today’s NBA. Williams, who played alongside Shaq during the latter’s career, highlighted several reasons why achieving such a feat would be challenging in the modern game.
However, Lou Williams, a crafty scorer known for his finesse, isn’t convinced.
As captured in a tweet by ClutchPoints, Lou Williams voiced his disagreement:
ClutchPoints: “I’m not buying that… I see him getting hacked way more than he did in his hay day… I think our OG’s gotta stop saying they’ll just average 40 points a game off the whim.'”
"I'm not buying that… I see him getting hacked way more than he did in his hay day… I think our OG’s gotta stop saying they’ll just average 40 points a game off the whim."
Lou Williams on Shaq averaging 40 in today's game 🗣️
(via @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/ZziAOvQhWT
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 30, 2024
Lou Williams’ skepticism highlights the key differences between Shaq’s era and the current NBA landscape. While Shaq’s physical dominance was unmatched in his prime, the league today prioritizes perimeter play and officiating that protects jump shooters.
The Changing Landscape of NBA Basketball
Lou Williams s first pointed out the significant shift in the NBA’s style of play. When Shaq dominated the league in his prime, the game was slower-paced and heavily focused on post-play. Shaq’s physical dominance allowed him to thrive in the paint, overpowering opponents with his size and strength. However, today’s NBA has evolved into a faster-paced, perimeter-oriented game. Teams rely heavily on three-point shooting, spacing, and ball movement, which means fewer opportunities for traditional post-up plays where Shaq excelled.
Defensive Challenges for Shaq
In addition to the change in offensive philosophy, Lou Williams emphasized the defensive challenges Shaq would face in today’s game. Modern big men like Karl-Anthony Towns and Victor Wembanyama often operate on the perimeter, forcing centers to guard farther from the basket. Shaq, known for his dominance near the rim, would need to defend players in areas where he might be less effective. Moreover, defensive strategies have become more versatile, with frequent double-teams and intentional fouling designed to limit scoring opportunities for star players.
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