“Shaq has to be joking!!”: Kendrick Perkins reacts to Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal making an odd comparison for Nikola Jokic

NBA Analyst Kendrick Perkins does not react well to finding out who Shaq compared Nikola Jokic to Pacers big man Rik Smits.

Nikola Jokic is having a wonderful season. He is putting up career-best numbers while leading the Nuggets to the 7th spot in the West. The Nuggets have a 17-14 record right now.

They beat the Portland Trailblazers 111-106 last night. Nikola Jokic led the way with 41 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and one steal.

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The Joker has been leading the Nuggets all throughout the season. So far, he has averaged 27 points, 10.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Jokic is putting up all these numbers on high efficiency, as he is shooting 56.2% from the field, and 40.8% from the deep.

Kendrick Perkins cannot handle the comparison made by Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is known around the league as one of the best big men to play. However, that reputation is shifting and turning into a blabber with a mic. The Inside the NBA on TNT host has had a lot of controversial comments and statements in recent times.

Back in the 2018-19 season, Shaq compared Nikola Jokic to Pacers’ great Rik Smits. The 3 year old comparison was pointed out by a user on Twitter, which was picked up by Kendrick Perkins. Perkins did not react well to it. He hoped Shaq was joking when he made the comparison.

Shaq had to be joking!!! No way he was serious by making this Comparison. https://t.co/Az892Byw1A

— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) February 24, 2021

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Despite being a big figure in the Pacers’ history, Rik Smits cannot be put on the same level as Nikola Jokic. Smits was never a gifted facilitator like Jokic, and neither did he possess the knack of rebounding.

He, however, had a similar shooting stroke and crafty footwork in the post, which would be where Shaq drew the comparison. The way Jokic is playing, he is making a strong case to be an MVP favorite this year.