Shaquille O’Neal is known for his bold opinions as an NBA analyst since the end of his dominating career as a player. However, the four-time NBA champ’s honest takes often trigger controversies. But still, the Big Diesel valiantly expresses his opinions on issues that matter the most. Many players have faced stern criticism from the Los Angeles Lakers legend over the years. Recently, another 7 ft NBA giant became the victim of Shaquille O’Neal’s wrath during a discussion about the current situation of the Western Conference.

The co-hosts of The Big Podcast, Shaquille O’Neal and Nischelle Turner were joined by a special guest, NBA veteran Jamal Crawford on the recent iteration of the show. During the conversation, the trio talked about the best teams in the Western Conference who could have the possibility of making it to the playoffs this season. The discussion prompted an interesting question about Denver Nuggets‘ 7 ft center, who won two straight MVPs in 2021 and 2022.

Shaquille O’Neal takes a dig at Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic

In the recent episode of The Big Podcast, co-host Nischelle Turner claimed that she is supporting the Dallas Mavericks because of the incredible performances from Luka Doncic this season. Turner’s reaction prompted a question from Jamal Crawford. The three-time Sixth Man of the Year asked Turner if she believed that the Mavericks would be able to make it to the playoffs after fighting off the Western Conference teams. In response, Nischelle Turner said, “I really think that the West is wide open. I don’t see anybody saying we are the dominant team in the West.”

The comment from Turner triggered a question from Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq asked, “Is MVP always based on the team whoever has the best record?” Meanwhile, Turner pointed out that Shaq loves the question he had just asked. Soon after, Crawford informed the Lakers legend that some changes had been made by the league in the criteria for the MVP award. 

Further, Shaq continued, “Thank you! Because your man, because they are talking about your man winning his third straight MVP.” In response, Turner said, “Who’s that? Jokic?” Moreover, Shaquille O’Neal added, “He’s a great player but MVP to me means the baddest dude in the league, baddest dude in the league by far. This dude is about to win three straight?”

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Sadly for Jokic, Shaquille O’Neal did not bank on him for the MVP award this season. The three-time Finals MVP pointed out that the Nuggets star, who has won the MVP award in the last two seasons was being considered for the feat once again this season. However, he disagreed with the discussions and made it known with his bold comments on Nikola Jokic.

However, Jokic is not the only 7ft star to face criticism from Shaq. The Lakers icon’s longstanding beef with Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert is pretty well-known.

Jokic’s contribution to the Nuggets

Nikola Jokic has been a valuable asset for the Denver Nuggets since 2015. The four-time All-Star has a career average of 20 points with 10.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game. Moreover, he has led the Nuggets to four straight playoff appearances since 2019. Jokic also won two MVPs in the last two seasons due to a significant rise in performance in terms of scoring.

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This season, Jokic is averaging 25 points with 11 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game, which is much better than his career record. However, there has been a drop in terms of points and rebounds this season in comparison with the last season.