In terms of the comparisons with other NBA athletes, Shaquille O’Neal would confidently call himself ‘MDE.’ “So out of respect for Wilt Chamberlain, I will allow you guys to say Shaq and Wilt Chamberlain, but nobody else. Nobody else.” The Lakers legend clearly stated that no Center or any other player would make that list. But a former NBA Champion’s take might not upset Shaq, despite another player clearly being called better.

“I think he a better basketball player than Shaq. I don’t think he more dominant than Shaq.” Jeff Teague on his podcast made claims about Nikola Jokic being a better basketball player than the 4x NBA Champion.

These conversations come right after the Nuggets star’s breathtaking performance in space of 24 hours. He totaled 104 points, 30 rebounds, and 16 assists in back-to-back games becoming the first player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1963 to record consecutive games with at least 45 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Seeing those numbers, Teague further added what sets Jokic apart from other centers. “I think he the most skilled Center, between him and Hakeem. I think Shaq the most dominant like if I had to pick a center I’m picking Shaq.”

The Serbian has won the MVP award thrice. It is important to remember that the last Center to win the MVP title was Shaq himself, back in the 1999-2000 season! A suitable feat that goes along with the Finals MVP title, he also secured in 2023.

So, on the Club 520 Podcast, Teague explained that there might never be another Shaquille O’Neal. But that doesn’t mean The Joker’s abilities are less than anybody’s.

“Never be a Shaq again that’s dead. But as far as skill, I’ve never seen a center play like Jokic. I never seen nobody skill a Jok bro.” You would be surprised to know that ever-competitive Shaq gave up a place for Jokic, despite their differences last season.

Shaquille O’Neal had high praise for the Joker too

Last month, The Big Aristotle was on First Things First with Nick Wright and Chris Broussard. In that conversation, the top 5 Centers list came up where Wright had Shaquille O’Neal, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and Hakeem Olajuwon. But the 4x NBA Champion, instead of putting himself on the list, nominated Nikola Jokic.

Before Sunday’s game against the Hawks, the Nuggets ranked first in the NBA in offensive rating, net rating, field goal percentage, and assists-to-turnover ratio when Jokic is on the floor. The team dives to 30th, 29th, 30th, 28th, and 28th, respectively, in those statistical departments when he leaves the game.

“When I look at ‘Joker’ and how he plays—and this is why he’s the best big man in the league. ‘The Joker’ is balling. Nothing but respect for him.”

On the Dan Patrick Show, Shaquille O’Neal continued his praise for the Nuggets superstar. “I don’t know if he got mad at me last year, but when I said that, I thought Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander) deserved the MVP. But I hope he is mad because I love the way he’s playing.”

So, from saying somebody else deserved the MVP award to giving up his place for Jokic. What a turnaround for Shaquille O’Neal. But is Teague right calling Joker better than Shaq?