"I play against a front and a back every night, Ming does not have to do that, Duncan does not have to do that, Garnett doesn't do that. I am the only one that has to do that"

Shaquille O’Neal expresses frustration with the unique defensive challenges he faces compared to other elite big men of his era, specifically Yao Ming, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett. He highlights that while all these players are dominating forces, opposing teams employ particularly aggressive and complex defensive tactics specifically aimed at stopping him, most notably, the use of both a “front” and a “back” defender every night.

By “playing against a front and a back,” Shaq refers to a defensive strategy where one defender positions himself in front of him (denying the entry pass), while another stays behind (to contest any lob or seal attempts). This double-teaming technique is physically punishing and mentally taxing, forcing O’Neal to constantly battle for position, often without respite. The implication is that this scheme is reserved almost exclusively for Shaq because of his overwhelming physical dominance and scoring ability in the post. He argues that Duncan, Garnett, and Ming, though exceptional, do not command the same relentless, dual-sided attention. Such a defense not only makes it harder for him to receive the ball but wears him down and sometimes limits his statistical performance.

Shaq’s statement also touches on a deeper sentiment, that he feels underappreciated for consistently dealing with strategies designed specifically to restrict his impact, more so than anyone else of his era. He perceives himself as singular, a target of opponents’ best defensive innovations and teamwork. This, in his view, is both a burden and a testament to the respect (and fear) he commands. The quote reveals a blend of pride, exasperation, and perhaps a desire for greater recognition of the unique adversity he regularly faces. By drawing this distinction, Shaq asserts his place as not just one among the greats, but as the central figure teams feel compelled to overload in order to stop.