Shaquille O’Neal considers Nikola Jokic the best big man in the NBA, and the former LA Lakers player even created a custom belt for the Denver Nuggets star.
Shaquille O’Neal gives Nikola Jokic the title of best big man
Nikola Jokic continued his outstanding performance for the Denver Nuggets this season, continuing his legacy after winning three of the last four MVP awards.
His performance caught the eye of Shaquille O’Neal, one of the NBA’s all-time greatest players, and the man mountain praised the Serb and made him a custom belt during the postgame show.
O’Neill said: “Joker, as President of the Big Man Coalition, I made this for you and I will ship it to you. FedEx, it’s you. Because you are a champion, a big man’s big daddy, and the best big man in the league. thank you!”
To this Jokic responded: “Thanks for the belt, Shaq. thank you i like you… “I’m looking forward to it.”
“As the President of the Big Men Alliance, I made this belt for you” ❤️🥹
Shaq and Jokić share a moment on the post-game show ✨ pic.twitter.com/UcPSwRxzyT
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 22, 2025
Together with Shaquille O’Neal, analysts discussed Jokic’s performance this season and highlighted the fact that he is making the most 3-pointers of his career with the highest accuracy since the Serb made his NBA debut.
The Serbian said: “I feel like I’m playing the best basketball of my life. As a team, I don’t think we’re where we need to be, but I think that’s a good thing because we’re trying to get to where we need to be and find a rhythm.”
The Nuggets appear to be in a prime position right now with Jokic performing, and the Serb has support from Russell Westbrook and Jamal Murray.
Jokic spoke about Murray’s recent performances, saying he loves the connection he has and labeling him a ‘great player’.
Jokic: “I I love that connection because I just have to look at that person and they know exactly what I’m thinking. That’s always the case because he waits until I get there and always passes at the right time. I mean, he’s a great player.
“I think the people and teams he went through misunderstood him and didn’t give him a chance to be himself.”
