On the surface, for all-time great NBA centers, Nikola Jokic and Shaquille O’Neal are about as different as they come. Shaq was an absolute brute, dominating with a combination of size and strength that we’ve never seen before. Jokic is like a maestro, finessing his way to dominance from every level of a basketball court.
Not only do they not often get compared to each other, but they rarely draw comparisons to any other players in the history of the game. It’s a testament to each of their unique styles and abilities, but there really aren’t many - if any - players who have even had very similar games to either of the legendary big men.
But maybe their uniqueness is what actually makes them similar. That’s what was recently suggested by five-time NBA champion, Derek Fisher. Fisher won all five of his titles with the Lakers and he was teammates with Shaq for three of them (he won Finals MVP in all three).
Derek Fisher compares Jokic to Shaq
On a recent episode of the Fastbreak Podcast with Byron Scott, Fisher went on the show and was asked about the modern NBA. This led to a conversation about Jokic and then the comparison to Shaq.
Fisher talked about how much the game has changed and how stylistically, both players play so differently but that “the concept” of what they do is exactly the same. He pointed out that they are both unstoppable in their own unique ways.
It’s a fascinating comparison to make, especially for someone so familiar with Shaq. It’s clearly a great compliment and really, it’s a very poignant point to make. Each player really is a true unicorn in every sense of the word and they are certainly two of the best centers - and players - in the history of the NBA.
President Teddy Roosevelt once famously said, “Comparison is the thief of joy” and generally, that’s a valid point. But this is the exception to the rule because these are two incomparable players. For as great as they are, they have no true equals, and that makes them unique, but similar.
Props to Fisher for making this comparison. Former players can be so protective of their own generation and their contemporaries, while quick to put down the current stars. It was refreshing to hear him be so complimentary and to describe the changes over the years in a positive light.