Shaquille O’Neal Takes Humble Route When Faced With Nikola Jokic Challenge

Nikola Jokic wants that MVP. Despite being a 6’11 center, the Denver Nuggets have efficiently used him to run point in the absence of Jamal Murray. In yet another episode of it today, the Serbian sensation recorded 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists in the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Inside the NBA, who analyzed Jokic’s game during halftime, were in awe of his unstoppable floaters. And it led to an interesting question for Shaquille O’Neal, who was asked if he could block the Nuggets superstar. 

Shaq holds his ego high when he is compared with modern NBA superstars. However, in this scenario, the Lakers champion hinted that he might not be able to guard Jokic. Former Golden State Warriors star Baron Davis joined the NBA on TNT today and he shared about Jokic, “That’s what I like about him. He has the power, he has the finesse, he has the skill, and watch the touch. Shaq wouldn’t be able to block that.” What did Shaq have to say back?

The 7ft giant replied, “Hey, I ain’t known for defense.” That’s quite a surprising reply from someone who doesn’t give his opponents their flowers easily. Even here, Shaq is not crediting Jokic but admits he is not the best defender.

Regardless of Shaq’s defense, Jokic is truly unstoppable when it comes to his floater game. He has done it against some of the best defenders in the league like Rudy Gobert, Draymond Green, etc. and he could have likely done it against Shaq.

 Well, the Big Diesel himself termed the Serbian center as one of the best in history. 

Shaquille O’Neal believes Nikola Jokic is a better center “by far” in comparison with the other centers in the league 

As mentioned above, no center in the league is playing point for their team. Jokic is averaging 26.4 points and 9 assists, as a point-center. Even when Murray is in the team, the Nuggets have often let Jokic handle the ball in clutch situations as he comes up with some of the best game-winning plays for them. He has managed to find a connection with all of his teammates on the court, which is not easy to master. So when the conversation came to the “best center” in the NBA, even Shaq agreed that it was Jokic. 

Read more: Shaquille O’Neal Rattles Nikola Jokic After Insane Game-Winner Vs Warriors: “No, It’s Not Shaq, Come On Brother”

On Inside the NBA last November, the crew took their sides between Jokic and Joel Embiid. The Philadelphia 76ers center was leading the MVP race back then. However, Shaq boldly claimed the Nuggets champion is the, “Best big man in the league, by far…You heard what I said”. The LA champion himself said it, so it’s clear why he doubted himself when asked if he could block Jokic. 

Read more: Nikola Jokic vs Shaquille O’Neal: ESPN Analyst Erupts With Shocking Claim