Shaq names the only five current NBA stars could have survived in his and Michael Jordan's era

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal believes only five current stars could have survived in the era played in by himself and Michael Jordan.

'Shaq' had a 19-year career between 1992 and 2011, and played for five different franchises.

The 7ft 1in giant won four NBA Championships - including three titles in a row from 2000 and 2002 - and was named the NBA Finals MVP on three occasions.

His career partially overlapped with that of Jordan, who many consider to be the most successful basketball player of all time.

Jordan won six NBA Championships between 1991 and 1998, with his career spanning 15 seasons from 1984 to 2003.

He came up against O'Neal on a number of occasions while playing for both the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards.

Shaquille O'Neal and Michael Jordan pictured at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game (Image: Getty)

The NBA has moved into a new era since the pair retired, with the likes of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic having dominated the sport in recent years.

But speaking on his podcast, 'The Big Podcast with Shaq', O'Neal believes that only five current stars could have survived in what was a much more physical era back in the days when he was at his peak.

He began: "I think about it all the time. Ant Edwards [Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard]. LeBron, of course... well, he did play in that era. KD [Durant]. That's about it."

He then added in the names of Amen and Ausar Thompson, a pair of twins who currently play as a point guard for Houston Rockets, and as a shooting guard or small forward for Detroit Pistons, respectively.

"The boys, they got heart. They definitely could have played in that era," O'Neal added.

Michael Jordan's verdict on the debate

Michael Jordan and LeBron James pictured in 2014 (Image: Getty)

In an article published by ESPN's Wright Thompson in 2013, Jordan is quoted as naming the four players he believed could have played in his era - though only one remains active.

He named James, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki as the players, with only James still an active part of the NBA.

Duncan and Nowitzki both debuted in 1997 and 1998 respectively and came up against Jordan towards the tailend of his career, while Bryant spent his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers and also faced off against 'MJ' on numerous occasions in the NBA.