The Denver Nuggets have found their greatest player in franchise history already.
Nikola Jokic has been nothing short of spectacular over the past three years or so, and it was somewhat shocking to see that he wasn’t named MVP for the 2022-23 NBA season.
However, trophy or not, Jokic may have gotten something even more valuable than an MVP: Shaquille O’Neal’s stamp of approval.
Shaq: "Nikola Jokic is the best center in the game. You heard it from me." pic.twitter.com/NGJ3jRpUP3
— Oh no he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 8, 2023
The four-time NBA champion recently went on record calling Jokic ‘the best center in the game,’ which is the ultimate praise for several reasons.
For starters, Shaq is usually ruthless when it comes to big men, mostly calling them out and making fun of them.
Also, it sure takes one to know the other, as Shaq was the most dominant force of nature in the league during his prime, and he sure made a strong case to be considered the most dominant center and player in the history of basketball, even ahead of the likes of Wilt Chamberlain.
Of course, Jokic’s game isn’t like Shaq by any means; nor it’ll ever be.
He’s the best passing big man this game has ever seen, and his variety of offensive moves is somewhat more complete or more modern than Shaq’s.
But Shaq’s footwork and athleticism were obviously more notorious.
He was also a high-IQ player and passer, and a player who could gracefully work his way to the rim; he wasn’t just a bruiser.
Jokic, on the other hand, has set the blueprint for what the modern big man should look like.
NEXT: Nikola Jokic Made NBA Playoff History In Game 4 Loss