Shaquille O’Neal is never afraid to share his opinion, and he did just that when speaking with Nikola Jokic on “Inside the NBA” moments after “The Joker” was named the 2023-24 NBA MVP.
TNT had Jokic chat it up with the “Inside the NBA” crew, which was when O’Neal told Jokic that he through Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should have been league MVP over the Nuggets center.
“Joker as the president of the Big Man Alliance – you are the vice president of the Big Man Alliance – you know I love you. The best player in the league, I want to congratulate you.” O’Neal started off by saying. “I want you to hear it from me first, I thought SGA should have been the MVP. That’s no disrespect to you, but congratulations.”
The former NBA star and analyst proceeded to ask Jokic a question about what the Nuggets can do to come back in their series with the Timberwolves.
Jokic didn’t immediately react to the comment by Shaq before making a quick joke.
“Thank you, Shaq, we don’t judge people here. That’s fine it’s your opinion,” the now-three-time NBA MVP said before breaking into laughter. “I’m joking.”
“Hey, all good,” O’Neal responded. “I love you. I love your brothers. One thing we’re always going to do is keep it real with each other. Congratulations, I love you.”
Jokic beat out Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic for the award, claiming 79 of the 99 first-place votes.
Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists in a season when Denver won 57 regular-season games.
Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.0 points, 6.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds while leading the Thunder to the No. seed in the Western Conference
“For real, there are a lot of players that deserve it,” Jokic said.
The Nuggets are currently in the middle of a second-round series with the Timberwolves, whom they trail 2-0.
