Former Magic Center Reacts to Shaquille O'Neal's Place in All-Time List

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 1:32 AM ET

Former Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard wants a change in a specific There have been countless all-time team lists throughout the history of the NBA. CBS Sports had a different approach with their team list. The network had three All-Quarter Century Teams, similar to All-NBA teams, but they spanned over the past 25 years of the league.

In the third team, they listed Steve Nash, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Dirk Nowitzki and Dwight Howard. The second team has Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shaquille O'Neal. The first team boasts of Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Tim Duncan and Nikola Jokic.

All players in the list have either won an MVP, a championship, a Defensive Player of the Year award, selected in multiple All-NBA and All-Star teams.

Howard Thinks O'Neal Should Be in the First Team

Upon the release of the list on Instagram, Howard took screenshots of it and posted it on X. He requested that O'Neal start at center for the first squad rather than the second. Given that he's considered the most dominant center in the NBA.

"Put Shaq first team …" Howard posted.

Put Shaq first team … pic.twitter.com/KnWLpkMpNO
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) August 20, 2025

However, that is unlikely to happen. After all, Jokic has been dominant during his run, winning three regular-season MVP s and a championship with the Denver Nuggets. He also changed the position with his elite passing and efficiency from the floor.

However, it might be argued that O'Neal has a legitimate claim to the starting lineup. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to three straight championships.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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