Shaq’s Four Point Guards: Jason Williams Pick Sparks Kyrie Irving Debate

“I don’t hate Kyrie. I love Kyrie. He’s a Jersey boy. But Reggie, you’re not telling me that you think Kyrie’s handle is better than White Chocolate.” Shaquille O’Neal said as he defended Jason Williams against Reggie Miller’s preference for Kyrie Irving.

O’Neal and Miller joined hosts Ari Emanuel and Ben Persky on the April 17, 2026 Rushmore Podcast episode to choose four point guards. Miller explained that the discussion’s 6-foot-3-and-under pool allowed Allen Iverson to qualify, despite his usual shooting guard role. The September 30 compilation revisited the argument over Williams, Irving and John Stockton.

These are O’Neal’s original four choices in selection order. The panel later changed the final spot.

Shaq’s original four selections

01

Stephen Curry

Shaquille O’Neal’s selection

O’Neal opened his list with Curry, calling him:

“greatest shooter of all time.”

Shaquille O’Neal · 4:29–4:34

02

Allen Iverson

Shaquille O’Neal’s selection

Iverson was O’Neal’s second selection. He introduced him with:

“Pitbull. You know what he did.”

Shaquille O’Neal · 4:36–4:40

03

Jason Williams

Shaquille O’Neal’s selection

O’Neal chose Williams, known as White Chocolate, and argued that the playground criterion favored his ballhandling.

“nobody has better handle than my guy White Chocolate.”

Shaquille O’Neal · 4:55–5:02; 23:52–24:02

04

Isiah Thomas

Shaquille O’Neal’s selection

O’Neal said he had watched and rewatched a documentary about Thomas. He selected the former Detroit guard as his fourth player, saying:

“He don’t get the respect that he deserves.”

Shaquille O’Neal · 5:17–5:30

Miller’s choice and the panel’s final four

Miller’s original list contained Curry, Thomas, Iverson and Irving. When O’Neal challenged his preference for Irving’s ballhandling, Miller said:

“I think Kyrie has the best handles of any basketball player ever.”

Reggie Miller, 22:01

Stockton also entered the argument over the last spot. After the panel challenged O’Neal’s description of Stockton’s role, O’Neal acknowledged, “You win this argument.”

The panel’s final four were Curry, Iverson, Thomas and Irving. O’Neal removed Williams from the shared selection while maintaining his preference for Williams’s handle.

“I’mma go with Kyrie.” Shaquille O’Neal, 29:15.

Watch the original Rushmore Podcast episode.