The conversation around the NBA’s big men has seen a lot of changes. For a long time, the giants dominated the game. Whether it was Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain in the initial days, or Kareem for two decades. But, the arrival of Michael Jordan made guards cool. However, the physically imposing style of the late ’90s and early 2000s brought another change to the conversation. With names like Tim Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal dominating the conversation, the big man position enjoyed another short stint in the sun. Then, of course, came Stephen Curry.

Now, another big man has captured the hearts of fans in a sport driven by smaller, three-point shooting players. While Big Diesel has been high in his praise for him, he did hold back one trophy from Nikola Jokic.

What can The Joker not do?

Shaquille O’Neal is, without question, one of the greatest, and most dominating players (let alone centers) ever. As a result, his critique of current NBA players, while harsh, comes from experience. But, one man he has been highly appreciative of is recently crowned champion, Nikola Jokic. Over his career, the Serb has reimagined what a big man can do. Whether shooting, posting up, or passing, Jokic has dominated every facet of the game. Today, with 2 MVPS, and a championship, he stands above the competition.

Soon after clinching his title, the Serbian was officially crowned a member of the Big Man Alliance, courtesy of Big Diesel himself.

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However, Shaq did refrain from calling Nikola Jokic the greatest European player ever.

In a conversation with a Croatian news channel, O’Neal talked at length about the big man position. When asked about Jokic’s standing as the best big man in the game today, Shaq immediately said yes. But, when the question became if the Joker was the best European ever, Shaq was less accepting.

“No, I wouldn’t go there…A lot of people are going to have their opinions. Like you’re an older player, you may go [Arvydas] Sabonis.” 

However, that didn’t stop Shaq from continuing to wax poetic about the Serbian horsing champion.

Shaquille O’Neal officially inducts Nikola Jokic

For Shaq, the big man alliance is sacred ground.

Even at his peak, which included three-straight DPOYs, Dwight Howard never made it in. Neither did multiple all-time greats. But, after his maiden NBA Championship, the Lakers big man was quick to induct the Denver Nuggets‘ unicorn.

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While opinions and criticisms remain rampant about Jokic, Shaq has been high in his praise for the big man. That continued in the interview as well.

“As the president of the Big Man Alliance, he’s in. Joker’s in. He’ll go down in history. Because he plays the right way. I respect guys who play the right way,” explained O’Neal.

While his place among all-time greatest Europeans can be an argument, his standing in the Big Man Alliance is set. With names like Dirk Nowitzki, and Hakeem Olajuwon looming in the distance, it remains to be seen how high The Joker can climb.

If he continues at his current pace, though, it’s hard to tell who Nikola Jokic won’t surpass. What do you think?

Watch This Story: After Claiming His Maiden NBA Championship, Nikola Jokic Receives A Warm Welcome Into The “Big Man Alliance” From 7-Foot Giant Shaquille O’Neal