Nikola Jokic has joined a handful of NBA players with his latest achievement. After being recognized by plenty of athletes around the league and leading the MVP ladder for most of the year, Jokic was recently named the MVP of the 2023–24 NBA season. This is his third such accolade in the previous four seasons and comes after defeating the Canadian in OKC, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the Slovenian in Dallas, Luka Doncic.

So, when Shaquille O’Neal tipped his hat to Jokic on television, the former Lakers’ big man chose to keep things real. He said, “You know I love you. You’re the best player in the league. I want to congratulate you,” right before adding the twist.

Always the one to speak his mind, Shaq added, “But I want you to hear it from me first; I thought that SGA [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] should have been the MVP. That’s no disrespect to you but congratulations.” To this, Jokic slyly responded, “Thank you Shaq, we don’t judge people in her so, that’s fine. That’s your opinion.” However, the Joker couldn’t hold a poker face and immediately burst into laughter.

Jokic and Shaq share a deep bond apart from the NBA court, which resonated in their conversation. With that, Jokic managed to invite Shaq’s true sentiments regarding the MVP award, all while cracking jokes and keeping the environment breezy.

However, fans on social media are not taking Shaq’s comments the same way. Feeling a sense of revolt due to the disrespect Shaq’s SGA comment spewed on the Denver Nuggets‘ big man, they take their remarks to X.

Fans aren’t overlooking Shaq’s comment like Nikola Jokic did

One of the fans argued that Shaq’s comment snatched the validity of Jokic’s 3rd MVP and continued dominance in the league. The emotional follower quipped, “How absolutely disrespectful is this? Come on Shaq,” while wanting O’Neal to do better.

Another enthusiast sarcastically mocked O’Neal by citing that his “That’s no disrespect to you” hold no value when following that with a discourteous remark.

Trending

Big Setback for Shaq, as $155 Billion Company Eyes Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Post-TNT Era

May 17, 2024 10:54 PM EDT

“I Can Be Replaced”: Shaq Drops Cryptic Note Online As Absence From TNT Live Show Confuses America

May 20, 2024 01:32 AM EDT

“Jordan Slipping Him Cash”: Fans Join In as Magic Johnson Slams Stephen A. Smith for Leaving Isiah Thomas Out of His List

May 18, 2024 03:30 PM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal, Tempted by Elon Musk’s Tesla Creation, Offers $159,999 Worth Trade to 30YO Comedian

May 19, 2024 06:38 AM EDT

Where Is Shaquille O’Neal? 7ft Legend Leaves TNT Studios Mid-Show, Draymond Green Stands as Replacement

May 16, 2024 03:46 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Similarly, another follower forced Shaq’s words against him, highlighting the technical hypocrisy in his statements. The fan claims that Shaq’s label for Jokic to be the best player in the league does not rest well with his proposal of Shai winning the most valuable player award.

Shaquille O’Neal’s national television stint with Nikola Jokic came within hours of the Serbian’s recent feat. With that, another NBA admirer questioned the timing of his comment, and urged the Diesel to let Jokic “have his moment.”

Moreover, another fan resorted to the polls behind Jokic’s MVP award, which saw him winning by more than 300 points. He had 79 of the 100 first place votes, followed by 18 for the second place.

Nikola Jokic is now just one of the nine players in NBA history to touch the MVP trophy thrice. Moreover, he is the only active player in the list apart from LeBron James, who has 4.

Jokic is currently in tough series against Minnesota Timberwolves, as his Nuggets saw back-to-back losses at home to open a series for the first time under his dominance.