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In the NBA, dominant centers have defined each era, each decade has had one or two who are generational and considered among the top players of all time. From Bill Russell, the ultimate Finals winner with 11, and Wilt Chamberlain, the 100-point man and all-time leader in rebounds in the 1960s. Passing through Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the second highest scorer and top MVP award winner in the 70's and 80's, to Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson in the 80's and 90's, then Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan in the 2000's to the current three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, read those names again and tell me if they are not synonymous with the NBA.
Shaq Attack
Of all those Hall of Fame centers, the most physically and most dominant player I've ever seen might be Shaquille O'Neal. A 4x NBA Champion, 3x Finals MVP, and 2x Scoring Champion, Shaq dominated the early 2000s alongside Kobe Bryant in the last three-peat the NBA has seen. Since retiring, he's become a prominent sports analyst and continues to influence the game, not to mention his unwavering support for the Dallas Cowboys. Recently, Shaq posted a photo on Instagram, showcasing his impressive technique for throwing a football but the most amazing thing is his size, you rarely see him as a normal human.
While using the caption "shaq prescott pay me @dallascowboys", could this be a subtle endorsement for Dak Prescott to stay with the Cowboys? Prescott is in the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract, making this season crucial not only for him but for Jerry Jones' franchise. Renewing Prescott could mean keeping him on the team for at least three more years, but with a 2-5 playoff record, many Cowboys fans might not want Prescott to remain the face of "America's Team." Given the lucrative contracts signed by Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa, Prescott's next deal could be a tough decision for the team's future.
Cowboys Problems
Adding to Prescott's contract dilemma is the situation with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who hasn't been practicing due to contract disputes. Lamb's situation doesn't bode well for Cowboys fans, especially after he seemingly mocked a comment made by owner Jerry Jones in a press conference. Jones downplayed the urgency to resolve Lamb's contract issue, but the reality is clear: without Lamb, the Cowboys' receiving corps, featuring Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert, might struggle to make a significant impact.
This is a crucial year for the Cowboys, particularly with Prescott's future in question. The defense, led by Micah Parsons, who will soon face his contract negotiations, is the team's strength. Parsons' leadership, along with the return of Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, who set a record last season with five interceptions returned for touchdowns, will be vital for the Cowboys' success.