Serbian sensation Nikola Jokic has captured a good number of fans after winning his first-ever NBA championship a few months back. One of them was the NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. However, everyone doesn’t seem to be as impressed with the Joker. While on one side, many believe the Denver Nuggets star is an unstoppable force, 8x All-Star Dwight Howard had a different narrative a couple of months ago. Sharing his short stint with the Lakers in 2020, the 37-year-old chose himself over Jokic, which he revealed publicly. However, the big question here is, ‘Who does Shaquille O’Neal think is the better player?‘

O’Neal hasn’t had the best of relationships with Howard over the years. He has taken multiple shots at the former NBA star, but looking at the Los Angeles Lakers icon’s latest Instagram story, the tables might have turned!

Is Shaquille O’Neal choosing Dwight Howard over Nikola Jokic? 

4x NBA champion Shaq has time and again credited Nikola Jokic for his versatile performances. One time was when Jokic single-handedly outscored the Memphis Grizzlies back in December 2020. At the same time, Shaq was questioned by Barkley, “How would you guard him?”

Shaq answered, “Only way he would be able to score on me is in the pick-and-roll situation... If he’s going down in the post I don’t want no help, if he shoots a jump hook over me, good shot.” However, when it comes to offense, Shaq believed he would destroy Jokic as he licked his lips to portray the situation. 

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It’s safe to say, Shaq believes Jokic is an unstoppable force after the above words. But now, it looks like the 51-year-old has his money on Dwight Howard. 

Watch this story: “Why is Stephen Curry called ‘The Chef’ “? 

Howard shared in July, “In 2020, I was stopping this man[Jokic], and I wasn’t even in my prime. Imagine me in my prime. There would be no question.” Shaquille O’Neal decided to share the above quotes on his Instagram story to seemingly side with Howard. Looks like Shaq took notes from Howard’s run in 2020. 

2020 was a good season for Jokic, but it came to an end in the Western Conference Finals. The Denver Nuggets had a historic run in the playoffs but succumbed to the Los Angeles Lakers. Jokic, who averaged 24 points and 10 rebounds, fell prey to Howard’s defensive skills. 

Ultimately, the Lakers demolished the Nuggets, 4-1. Howard won his first ring and soon was out of the league. Since then, Jokic has won 2 MVPs and recently topped it off with a championship and a Finals MVP.

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Seems like all the above facts have pushed Shaq to choose one over the other. However, we would like to know who you got. Jokic or Howard? Share your take in the comments below.