5 Times Shaq Was 100% RIGHT About Nikola Jokic 😳🔥

Shaq vs. The Joker: How Shaq Really Sees Nikola Jokic

When you look at Nikola Jokic—the Joker—there’s no denying he’s changed the game. But what happens when you put his greatness under the scrutiny of one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, Shaquille O’Neal? The result: a wild mix of jealousy, respect, and hilarious takes.

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The Shaq-Joker Saga

Shaq has said a lot about Jokic. Sometimes, it’s pure comedy (“Slavian chicken!”), sometimes it’s borderline outrageous, and sometimes it’s pure basketball truth. At times, you can feel the jealousy—Shaq wishes he could play like today’s big men, launching threes and running the offense. But more often than not, Shaq gets it right about the Joker.

5 Things Shaq Got Absolutely Right About Jokic

Dominance Recognizes Dominance Shaq, self-proclaimed president of the Big Man Alliance, knows a true center when he sees one. In the 2024-25 season, Jokic averaged nearly 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists per game—no padded stats, just pure impact. Shaq knows Jokic is the engine of the Nuggets and the heartbeat of the NBA.
A New Definition of Greatness In Shaq’s era, dominance meant shattering backboards and bullying defenders. Jokic rules with finesse, vision, and passing that leaves defenses guessing. He’s not just the best big man—he’s the best player in the league. Even Anthony Edwards admitted, “Jokic is the best.”
Respect, Even When It Hurts Shaq doesn’t hand out compliments to centers easily. He’s roasted Dwight Howard, Rudy Gobert, DeAndre Ayton—you name it. But Jokic is different. Three MVPs, a Finals MVP, a championship, and near triple-doubles for multiple seasons. Only Kareem and Wilt can compare, and even Shaq admits Jokic’s all-around brilliance makes him a little jealous.
Jealousy Over the Modern Game Shaq openly wishes he could play like Jokic. “I wish I could step out and shoot the three, brother,” he joked, calling himself the “black Steph Curry.” Truth is, Shaq couldn’t shoot threes, and he knows it. Jokic is rewriting what it means to be a center, and Shaq admits the position looks nothing like it did in his day.
Genuine Respect for Jokic’s IQ and Skill Shaq has even said Jokic has a higher basketball IQ than he ever did. Jokic doesn’t dominate with muscle—he dominates with his mind. Shaq called him a “great shooter”—something you rarely hear about big men. Kevin Durant chimed in: “He plays at a pace you can’t speed up, he’s strong, makes every shot, and his unorthodox style just works.”

Shaq’s Honest Moments

Sometimes Shaq tries to steal the spotlight or cracks jokes about Jokic’s roots (“Slavian chicken!”), but when asked seriously, he gives Jokic his flowers. When asked how he’d fare against Jokic in his prime, Shaq admitted Jokic would average 27-30 points against him, calling him a “great shooter” and “different player.” For Shaq to say that means real respect.

Even Shaq’s tone changes depending on who’s in the room—Candace Parker once called him out, and Shaq’s answers got a lot more thoughtful after that.

The Blueprint for the Modern Big Man

Behind the jokes, ego, and classic TNT moments, Shaq is right: Nikola Jokic isn’t just the best center in the league—he’s the blueprint for the modern big man. Shaq shattered backboards; Jokic shatters logic. One ruled through fear, the other rules through feel.

Shaq’s greatest takes on Jokic prove that true greatness transcends eras. Jokic is about to hold records no one else ever has, and Shaq knows it—even if he can’t help but crack a joke or two along the way.

So, which Shaq take on Jokic was your favorite? Drop your thoughts below. And keep watching—Jokic’s story is still being written, and it’s rewriting NBA history.