Basketball fans have had Shaq in their lives for over 30 years now and they should be more than used to the lovable big man’s antics. Usually, O’Neal has spouted bravado and confidence at all corners. In his playing days he was as confident as a player could be, having no problem running his mouth about his opponents - and sometimes even his teammates.
As a broadcaster, Shaq has largely been the same way. He’s had a history of diminishing current players, especially centers. He famously feuded with Dwight Howard for years in a way that is now bordering on petty and pathetic.
As much as Shaq is a big goofball, he can come off as a little too sensitive and at times, almost insecure about younger players. It’s most likely a bit of tough love; Shaq was one of the most dominant players in league history. He has a high standard for up-and-coming centers and he may seem overly critical, but his expectations are high.
One player who has grown beyond Shaq’s criticism is Nikola Jokic. O’Neal has come around on the Joker and embraced him for the generational player and center that he is. It shouldn’t exactly be news or noteworthy that an NBA analyst and former player heaps praise on Jokic, but in Shaq’s case, it’s worth noting.
Shaq calls Jokic best big man in the league “by far”
After the Nuggets demolished the 76ers on Tuesday night, Jokic did an on-court interview with the Inside the NBA crew on TNT. Inside the studio Shaq pulled out a surprise prop, what resembled a wrestling or boxing championship belt.
O’Neal anointed himself the president of the big man alliance and said he made the belt for Jokic, telling him that he is “the champion, the dun dada of big men, you’re the best big man in the league…by far”.
"As the President of the Big Man Alliance, I made this belt for you" ❤️🥹
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 22, 2025
Shaq & Jokić share a moment on the Postgame Show ✨ pic.twitter.com/UcPSwRxzyT
Jokic laughed along, squinting to see the belt through the camera, saying how much he loved it. Shaq said he is going to FedEx the belt to the Joker, so we will have to wait and see if it makes an appearance at a Nuggets game anytime soon.
It feels like Nuggets fans have had to defend Jokic for years, especially from national media members and former players. So, it’s cool to see one of the staunchest critics develop such a fondness for Jokic. It has taken a while, but general sentiment has finally shifted and Jokic is being welcomed into the top floor of the club reserved for the NBA’s all-time elite.