“Nikola Jokic Is The Greatest Nonathletic Big Man I’ve Seen”: Shaquille O’Neal Heaps Praises on 2x MVP As Nuggets Lead 2-0 vs Suns

The Denver Nuggets have been stunning the basketball world as they now move 2-0 up against the Phoenix Suns. Despite the All-Star trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul leading the Arizona-based franchise, Nikola Jokic has been a huge obstacle that Monty Williams’ boys haven’t been able to overcome. And Shaquille O’Neal has been loving the Joker’s exceptional performance in the Western Conference Semifinals.

When the blockbuster trade sent KD to team up with D-Book and CP3, fans and analysts were certain that the Phoenix Suns would be the team emerging victorious out of the Western Conference. While that still seemed true to believe when they handed the Clippers a gentleman’s sweep, things now are dicey for the organization.

Despite playing with their full unit, PHX has suffered both losses at the Ball Arena. While Game 1 was an 18-point blowout, Game 2 was slightly less painful having lost by a 10-point margin.

“Nikola Jokic is killing it”: Shaquille O’Neal

The Serbian superstar has been doing what many believed was going to be a near-impossible task. Only 2 victories away from leading the Colorado-based franchise to their 2^nd Conference Finals appearance since the 2020 Bubble, Shaq has been going all gaga over Jokic’s performance.

It is no secret that the former Los Angeles Lakers legend is a huge fan of Nikola’s game. Throughout the course of the season, Diesel has praised the Nuggets leader whenever applicable.

During the latest episode of NBA on TNT’s “The Big Podcast with Shaq”, the Hall-Of-Famer reiterated his love for the 2-time Most Valuable Player’s style of play. While being amazed at the fact that Mike Malone’s boys lead 2-0 in the WCSF, the Big Aristotle stated how the 6-foot-11 center was the “greatest nonathletic” big man he ever saw in his life. Further joking that Jokic would grab a couple of rebounds without even jumping, the former 15-time All-Star said:

“Joker is the greatest nonathletic, non-fast, non-powerful big man I’ve seen in my life. He gets the parkiest 40 points I’ve ever seen. Like, he’s just like a dude in the park. He’s killing it. I’m watching his game like ‘damn man’. I haven’t seen this man jump yet. This man be on his tippy toes getting 4-5 rebounds.”

How has the Joker performed in the 2023 Playoffs?

After averaging 24.5 points in the 2022-2023 regular season, Jokic has been scoring the ball more in the postseason.

In the first round, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 28-year-old lodged 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds. Now, in the first two games against Kevin Durant and co., the 5-time All-Star has been even more sensational.

Averaging around 37 minutes of playing time, the 8-year veteran has put up 31.5 points, grabbed 17.5 rebounds, and dished 5 assists.

It is expected of Nikola to sustain this level of performance if the Nuggets want to advance to the conference finals and later to the NBA Finals.