Bill Simmons claims Erling Haaland reminds him of Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon

Follow us on Google Discover

Bill Simmons has become a huge fan of Erling Haaland, comparing him to some of the NBA’s all-time great big men.

Erling Haaland has announced his arrival on the world stage with a phenomenal run in the FIFA World Cup, scoring 7 goals and leading Norway to the quarter-finals.

With a sensational brace against Brazil, Haaland has become one of the biggest stars at the World Cup and has caught the eye of Bill Simmons!

Bill Simmons likens Erling Haaland to the best centers in NBA history

Speaking on his podcast, Bill Simmons spoke about Erling Haaland’s performances and how he reminds him of some of the great NBA centers of all time.

Simmons drew parallels between Haaland and Shawn Kemp, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hakeem Olajuwon, with a nod to Friday franchise villain Michael Myers.

“If you watch the Premier League, you’ve watched him on Man City the last couple of years. I think they won in 2023. It’s not like it’s breaking news that this guy is unbelievable.

“He is the first striker I’ve ever seen that makes me feel like I’m watching a dominant big man in basketball. There’s pieces of all of these big guys that I’ve loved from over the years.

“Early ’90s Shawn Kemp on the headers, anything close to the rim, Shawn Kemp would get. It feels like anything in the box where he can have time to jump, get airborne and stick his head over somebody, he’s putting away.

“Young Shaq banging bodies around. There’s like 3-4 times a game he’ll just bowl over somebody. Footwork of Hakeem and then a little Michael Myers, because he has the Michael Myers reactions after the goals. Everyone else loses their mind after they score; he does the Michael Myers. I love it.”

Erling Haaland making World Cup history with Norway

Haaland’s performance in the World Cup has been nothing short of sensational. Despite not having any World Cup experience, the Manchester City striker has been in the goals every step of the way.

Haaland is currently tied with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe for the most goals in the tournament with 7 goals each.

The Norwegian striker has made such a great account of himself at the tournament that many believe he is now in the conversation for the best player in the world.

And with a tie against England in the quarter-final, an upset win led by Haaland could cement him and Norway as having one of the all-time great World Cup runs.