NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal made a bold proclamation this week, calling Stephen Curry ‘by far’ the best player in the world and predicting the Warriors to (at least) win the Western Conference once again.

O’Neal’s praise comes a couple of months after Curry won his fourth title with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 31.2 points, six rebounds and five assists to beat the Celtics and earn his first Finals MVP.

Just one active non-Warrior – Lebron James – can match Curry’s four titles, and Curry looked at the peak of his powers this postseason.

‘The real ones are recognized by the championships that you have,’ O’Neal said on ‘The Big Podcast with Shaq,’ alongside co-hosts Nischelle Turner, Spice Adams and guest Kenny Smith.

‘Nobody plays better than Steph Curry. He’s a tough shot taker, tough shot maker. I like where he’s brought his career. Let me tell you something, I love ‘Rocky’-type stories. Kenny [Smith] was highly recruited coming out of New York, I was highly recruited.

‘Steph wasn’t highly recruited. So, to be able to work that hard and be the best shooter and one of the best players in the league, he gets my props for that. I love that kid.’

O’Neal’s opinion is not exactly widely held among fans.

While Curry, the most prolific three-point shooter of all time, is widely regarded as the league’s best shooter and one of its premier scorers, players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James are often given the nod by NBA viewers because of their defensive impact.

Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic, the regular season MVP for two seasons running, would have something to say to Shaq as well.

Nonetheless, it’s hard to argue with Curry’s resume, and this is not the first time Shaq has gone to bat for the eight-time All-Star.

Prior to Game 5 of the Finals, when asked if Curry would join the all-time top 10 alongside Shaq with another ring, the former Laker said he was already there.

‘He’s already in my company,” O’Neal said on First Take.

‘Some guys have their own special category that you can’t mess with. For example, when it comes to the most dominant, Wilt [Chamberlain], myself. The GOAT, you always got Kobe, LeBron and Mike.

‘When it comes to the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry is in there by himself. So, does that make him top 10? In my opinion it does.’