Nicola Djokic has a resume taking part in towards Shaquille O’Neill, however the former participant and the NBA champion nonetheless tackle a giant diesel.
After successful the third MVP award in 2024, there’s a very reasonable case that Nikola Jokic is among the greatest centres ever to hitch the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain.
Nonetheless, regardless of boasting extra MVPs and worse supporting forged all through his profession, Jokic has but to go Shaquille O’Neal, essentially the most bodily dominant participant ever.
Latest record printed by CBS Sports activities, Jokic was listed as the very best centre of the twenty first century, with O’Neill settling in second place. One former participant nonetheless thinks that Shaq will take the cake.
Jokic performs with finesse that he has by no means seen earlier than as a result of his place as a giant man, however some former gamers from the older technology expertise the bruises that Shack dominated.
After all, Jokic has averaged extra factors, rebounds and assists over the past quarter century, however O’Neal can boast 4 titles and three last MVPs. It is a compelling argument.
“In my view, Shaquille O’Neill is among the high two centres of all time behind Kareem Abdul Jabber,” declared Avery Johnson, snuggling Invoice Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.
“Shaquille O’Neill was essentially the most bodily dominant heart I’ve coached. Bodily, this man was bodily proud. There was nothing towards Nicola Jokic. However I personally would have Shaquille O’Neill on my first workforce.”
Whereas Johnson made his level, Jokic joined LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Stephen Curry and Kobe Bryant on the primary workforce of the quarter century.
When discussing who is best within the 2000s, O’Neill’s last 5 seasons are conveniently forgotten. Plus, Jokic is just 30 years outdated and has loads of prime left within the tank.
It is very reasonable that Jokic was capable of end his profession past a number of rings and 5 MVP awards. This could simply put him O’Neal first, even when the Lakers nostalgia offers Shaq a lift.
Along with Jokic nonetheless in his prime, he can not overlook his loyalty. Regardless of the Miami Warmth’s greatest efforts, Jokic seems to be destined to play only one franchise. O’Neal is appropriate for six completely different groups and ended his profession as a real “ring chaser.”
From 1992 to 2006, O’Neill was an influence, however from 2006 to 2011, he was the shell of his former self. It’s unimaginable to disregard his declare that he’ll attain Shaq if he has not but caught Shaq till Jokic declines steadily.
