RealGM

Which pair would you rather build around in today's game. Assuming good health.

Malone and Shaq are both primarily post scorers and not sure you can build around a double post offense in today's league. Combine that with Embiid and Giannis being better defenders and, given health, it's an easy choice.

Health is the primary issue here. Would Malone (and Shaq to a lesser extent) be able to play the same way without the injuries and time off that is so common today? Giannis is barely averaging 2000 minutes since 2020; Embiid less than 2000. Shaq averaged about 2500 during his prime; Malone better than 3000. That's what cuts the other way.

I'd still take Embiid/Giannis as they are good enough to get their team to the playoffs where Malone's durability is less of an issue.

The team with a 3-level scorer as good as any scorer we have ever seen whose offensive game can actually compliment the other player.