Shaquille O’Neal has undoubtedly mirrored his phenomenal NBA success in his stint as an analyst of the sport. At the heart of this success is O’Neal’s willingness to speak his heart out. The hoops community loves to listen to Shaq’s candid takes on the sport. However, the 4x-NBA champion has at times landed in hot waters because of his unfiltered opinions. Recently, the Los Angeles Lakers legend has given his two cents on a dominant NBA superstar, only to divide the hoops world.

Though Shaq is outspoken in his critiques of other players and teams, he has always had an eye for talent. Apparently, in an attempt to celebrate talent, O’Neal recently adulated the Nuggets centerpiece, Nikola Jokic. However, everyone couldn’t agree with the Diesel and his claim about the Nuggets star.

Shaquille O’Neal makes a huge claim on live TV

Shaquille O’Neal is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers the game has ever seen. So it shouldn’t come off as a surprise that he pays close attention to the game of other stars who play in the same position. In today’s game, Nikola Jokic has undoubtedly been stealing the show as a center. Therefore, it is obvious that Shaq enjoys watching the fellow center. However, O’Neal has now crowned Jokic with a strong claim.

After the recent Denver Nuggets-Phoenix Suns game, Nikola Jokic has got the NBA world talking about him. Even though it was for a losing effort, the 2x-MVP netted 53 points in Game 4. It seems that the Serbian has earned his stripes from DJ Diesel, which became evident during a recent Inside the NBA episode.

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During the show, Shaq declared, “Nikola Jokic is the best center in the game. You heard it from me.” His bold claim comes shortly after Jokic shoved the Suns’ owner, Mat Ishbia, during Game 4.

A snippet of O’Neal praising the Nuggets centerpiece as the ‘best center’ is now viral on Twitter, following a tweet of the same from Clutch Points. However, the Lakers legend’s statement has not gone down well with many fans.

Fans divided over Shaq’s claim

It is not a new affair for Shaquille O’Neal to get mixed responses from fans after letting out candid takes. Shaq’s adulation of Nikola Jokic is no different. “Shaq changes his opinion every other week,” a fan said.

Another fan calls out Shaquille O’Neal.

Not the ‘best center’ for this fan.

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Some fans think Joel Embiid is the best.

A fan explains why Jokic is not the best.

Not all fans disagree with Shaq.

Some fans think O’Neal’s claim can’t even be contested.

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Who do you think is the best center right now? Do you agree with Shaquille O’Neal’s claim? Let us know in comments.