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11 Days After Dismissing 2x MVP as a Potential Threat, Shaquille O’Neal Acknowledges Major Nikola Jokic Claim

Published 05/29/2023, 5:50 AM EDT

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Shaquille O’Neal is known for calling a spade, a spade. Standing as one of the most iconic centers to grace the floor, Shaq recently supported a major claim from a Portland Trailblazers superstar on Denver Nuggets center and 2x MVP, Nikola Jokic. With the Nuggets sweeping Shaq’s former side, the Los Angeles Lakers, 4-0 in the Conference Finals, the 2000 MVP shared his admiration and respect for the Denver centerpiece.

After acknowledging the Serbian’s prowess, however, Shaq still believes that Jokic would not have been a threat to him.  

Shaquille O’Neal acknowledges “best player” claims on 2-time MVP  

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The Denver Nuggets have been special this season. Making it to the NBA Finals for the first time in the franchise’s history. Eliminating Kevin Durant and later LeBron James by a clean sweep, 2-time MVP Nikola Jokic has been a dominant force for the Nuggets. The Joker’s performances so far in the postseason have left a Blazers star impressed. 

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Damian Lillard made some major claims on the Serbian center recently. Following the Blazers’ elimination in the postseason, The 32-year-old, on social media, shared, “Jokic might be the best player in the league”. Well, it looks like Lillard’s claims caught the attention of Shaq. 

 

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Shaquille O’Neal made sure he acknowledged this big statement from the Blazers star. The 51-year-old shared the “best player” claims from Lillard on his Instagram story. Shaq believes Jokic is crafty and is also the best center currently in the league. He also believes, however, that the 6’11 superstar cannot beat him.

The big man believes he is better than Nikola Jokic

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A few days back, Shaq revealed he might not be able to defend Jokic, but also believes there is “no way” the latter can play him one-on-one. Considering the physicality of the two, Shaq might have an edge over Jokic.  The Joker’s movements in the paint look unstoppable at the moment. 

Regardless of who’s winning, O’Neal has nothing but respect for the Nuggets center. 4 wins away from his first ring, Jokic, and the Nuggets are currently favorable for the title. Only time shall let us know if the Serbian sensation can do it all. 

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Written by:

Rohan Dharmalingam

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Rohan Dharmalingam is an NBA content writer at EssentiallySports. He has been following the NBA for a decade now and specializes in covering trade rumors and reports on the ever-changing trade market. The wizardry of Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry made him fall in love with the game like millions worldwide.
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Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra