“He’s on that list for me. I wouldn’t put myself on that list”. Shaquille O’Neal handed the ultimate praise to Nikola Jokic a few days ago when he put the Nuggets talisman on the ‘Top 5 Centers’ list while excluding himself! With a stature of 7’1″ and a build that had him weighing 330 pounds, Big Diesel wasn’t just a force to be reckoned with on the defensive front. His footwork, lift, and prowess put him on top of the other stars of this generation too. Therefore, for this praise to come from Shaq himself, speaks intense volumes. Days later, however, another former hoopster has built on that praise to unexpectedly put forward an important question.

Earlier today, NBA reporter Andy Bailey received a statement from 8x NBA All-Star Alex English. The 70-year-old former small forward made a name for himself during the 80s. Despite this, he continues keeping tabs on the happenings in the hoops world. Perhaps having seen enough of Nikola Jokic, the legend felt comfortable enough to dish out the ultimate praise to the Serb!

“Nikola Jokić is making a case to be considered the greatest player of all time. Not the greatest Nugget. The greatest player. Said he’s at a position (center) that isn’t often recognized when it comes to that conversation.”

Alex English raised an important question: Do people ever consider Centers in the GOAT debate? Those who have been following the NBA for a while know the two names that dominate this discussion: LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

However, His Airness played in the shooting guard/small forward position, while LeBron James played as a small forward/power forward. During, and even before, the period when these stars gained prominence, centers like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Shaquille O’Neal made a big name for themselves.

Over the years, several names in the NBA fraternity like Robert Horry have chosen to send their flowers to Hakeem Olajuwon and the other Centers too. Others, like Stephen A. Smith, have dismissed Wilt Chamberlain in the GOAT debate. Smith’s reasoning was that “Regardless of his dominance, at the end of the day his No. 1 nemesis was Bill Russell.”

Times, however, have changed since the renowned Centers last played. In the modern NBA, Nikola Jokic is unintentionally looking to change public perception. Amidst players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, the Serbian is leaving his mark. Along with securing the championship in 2023, Jokic has won the MVP award thrice. It is important to remember that the last Center to win the MVP title was Shaq himself, back in the 1999-2000 season! A suitable feat that goes along with the Finals MVP title, he also secured in 2023.

The Nuggets have made the playoffs in 6 of the 9 years with their Serb on the team. His emphasis on passing, shooting accuracy, and ‘team-manship’ is reportedly changing the public perception of Centers. This may be why Big Diesel is watching and laying down big expectations on the Nuggets Center.

Shaquille O’Neal passes down the title of ‘best big man’ to Nikola Jokic: “Nothing but respect for him”

Despite having retired in 2011, Shaquille O’Neal continued being an active part of the NBA world through broadcasting. Throughout his segments on ‘Inside the NBA’, it was clear that winning the big man’s respect wasn’t always easy. However, within a decade, Nikola Jokic has done enough to earn praise from Shaq. It’s been enough to also earn the unofficial title which he held for so long!

During an appearance on ‘The Dan Patrick Show’, Shaq discussed the Denver Nuggets’ center’s ongoing run. He stated, “When I look at ‘Joker’ and how he plays—and this is why he’s the best big man in the league. ‘The Joker’ is balling. Nothing but respect for him.”

Shaq also revealed feeling worried about whether Nikola Jokic had taken his words to heart. After all, the former player claiming that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserved last year’s MVP title may not have sat well! However, Shaq wasn’t TOO worried about what he said, since, “I hope he is mad because I love the way he’s playing.”

Do you think that Nikola Jokic deserves to be a part of the GOAT debate? Let us know in the comments down below.