Shaq‘s Legendary 100 Rating in NBA 2K2
The first thing any passionate NBA 2K gamer needs to know is that NBA 2K2 immortalized the great Shaquille O‘Neal with a perfect 100 overall rating – the only time it has ever been awarded in the game‘s 20+ year history. This symbolic rating reflects Shaq‘s utter dominance at his peak that many, including myself, believe ranks him as the most physically overpowering force the league has ever seen.
Shaq‘s Dominance – By The Numbers
Standing 7-foot-1 and weighing over 300 lbs with rare agility and skill, Shaq used his superhuman blend of size, strength and athleticism to overpower opponents en route to:
- 4 NBA Titles
- 3 Finals MVPs
- 2000 MVP Award
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1993)
- 15 All-Star Selections
- 8 Top 5 MVP Finishes
- 7 Scoring Titles
- Career 23.7 PPG Average
His playoff numbers even more staggering:
| Season | PPG | RPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-01 | 30.4 | 15.4 | 2.4 |
| 1999-00 | 30.7 | 15.4 | 2.9 |
| 1995-96 | 27.3 | 11.5 | 2.9 |
Put simply, from 1993-2004 Shaq used his massive frame and surprising speed to dominate the paint at levels few could ever dream of.
Breaking Down His Athletic Gifts and Abilities
Very few human beings on this planet possess Shaq‘s combination of size, power and coordination:
Size/Length – At 7‘1" with a 7‘7" wingspan, Shaq‘s mere presence altered shot angles and passing lanes
Strength – Near impossible for even multiple defenders to hold ground vs. Shaq‘s 300 lbs+ frame
mobility – Could outrun many guards coast-to-coast; nimble footwork in post
This athletic profile opened scoring opportunities no defender could consistently stop:
Power Post Game – Simply backed smaller opponents right under the rim
Offensive Rebounding – Second jump taps and putbacks at insane efficiency
Running Hook Shot – Nearly unblockable shot perfected with either hand
The above abilities powered Shaq‘s field goal percentage all the way up to 58.2% – the third best ever. Combine this efficient inside scoring with 34.7 PPG in his best season (‘00) and you have one of basketball‘s most dominant individual forces ever unleashed.
| Season | FG% | PPG |
|---|---|---|
| 1999-00 | 57.4% | 29.7 |
| 1995-96 | 57.3% | 26.6 |
| 2000-01 | 57.7% | 28.7 |
Shaq‘s prime season field goal & scoring averages
This consistent, efficient high-volume bucket getting is why Shaq deserves recognition as the most physically overpowering player.
No one could slow down his scoring once he established deep post position. Not even legends like Hakeem or Duncan in their prime.
The Origins of Shaq‘s Legendary 100 Rating
Gamers like myself clearly remember the buzz around Visual Concepts awarding Shaq a perfect 100 overall rating in NBA 2K2. For context, here‘s a breakdown of their player rating system:
- Overall rating combines dozens of attributes + badge boosts
- Legend Michael Jordan peaks at 99 overall as benchmark
- Only a handful of modern greats (LeBron/KD) ever exceed 95 overall
So Shaq‘s 100 rating stands out as outlier reserved for most dominant ever. It represents dev team‘s acknowledgement they simply couldn‘t accurately simulate his play style at lesser rating. Nothing could contain this digital Shaq either!
To this day, as arguably the basketball gamer community‘s greatest honor, Shaq‘s 100 rating persists as apt symbol of his historical dominance.
The 25 Highest Rated NBA Players in Basketball Video Game History
| Year | Player | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| NBA 2K2 | Shaquille O‘Neal | 100 |
| NBA 2K13 | LeBron James | 99 |
| NBA 2K11 | Michael Jordan | 99 |
| NBA 2K5 | Shaquille O‘Neal | 99 |
| NBA 2K7 | Tim Duncan | 99 |
| NBA Live 2005 | Shaquille O‘Neal | 99 |
Shaq and MJ are only players to receive 99+ ratings multiple times
Could Any Current Player Approach 100 Rating?
I can say with confidence as lifelong NBA spectator and 2K gamer than no current player deserves rating on level with Peak Shaq.
Today‘s elite superstars have excellent cases in certain areas:
- Shooting – Steph‘s unlimited range and precision
- Versatility – LeBron‘s unmatched court vision and BBIQ
- Athleticism – Ja Morant‘s aerial assaults
But none possess that total package of size, power, post game, and motor seen in Shaq.
Giannis comes closest as sustained excellence could justify eventual 99 rating. Though 100 feels unattainable for even Greek Freak‘s sublime talents.
Meanwhile, legends like Jordan and LeBron rightfully maintain lofty ratings year after year. But Shaq‘s 100 rating stands alone, demanding different tier of dominance.
The Diesel Power that Drives Shaq‘s Rating into History
I‘ve spent 20+ years glued to NBA virtual courts and real hardwood floors. Across endless debates ranking all-time greats, rewatched highlights, and hours controlling digital ballers, one truth persists:
No force quite like Peak Shaq has ever dominated basketball – often on sheer power and force of will.
This sustains his rightful place among the NBA Pantheon. And makes his singular 100 rating so iconic for us gamers as well.
After all, those lucky enough to witness Shaq as the unstoppable colossus charging downcourt, defenders bouncing off him like rubber… we know no video game could possibly contain that diesel power at a lesser rating!
So when players ask me one day "which game rated Shaq 100?" I‘ll proudly answer NBA 2K2! Cementing Diesel‘s legacy as the most dominant video game athlete ever immortalized.
