NBA legend Shaq O’Neal has a hot take for Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. Know more about it.
Two different players from a different NBA eras, two different players with contrasting play styles – what will happen if they clash together? Well, the answer is not that simple because we will never know.
The players in the discussion are NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic. Though we may never know who would have been the winner if these two big men clashed, we can definitely make a prediction about their competition.
In relation to Shaq vs. Jokic, ‘Big Diesel’ Shaq himself went ahead and made a statement. Shaq revealed the only way Jokic could score against him is Shaq was still playing.
What did Shaq O’Neal say about Nikola Jokic scoring on him?
One of the best Centres the game of basketball has ever seen is Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq was possibly one of the greatest basketball players ever in his prime.
Notably, the first man to almost be crowned unanimous MVP was a headache to the opposition during his prime, just like Nikola Jokic is now.
However, one must note that Shaq and Jokic have different game styles which are poles apart. Shaq was a dominant ball player and a brute force of nature whereas Jokic relies on his passing finesse and shooting skills. But, both of them are big men.
On Tuesday night, Jokic dominated the Memphis Grizzlies and scored a triple-double. He ended the night with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists in 37 minutes. His performance was worthy of a discussion and so it happened.
In the popular show, Inside the NBA, Shaq was asked how he would guard Jokic. This is what Shaq answered:
“Only way he would be able to score on me is in a pick-and-roll situation because I’d probably have to help with Jamal Murray, which frees him up a little bit. If he’s going down in the post I don’t want no help. If he shoots a jump hook over me, good shot. Now on the other end, the torture end. Where’s from? Slavic Lasagna alert.”
During his playing days, Shaq was not the best defender but his brutal strength easily held down other centres in the post. Also, Shaq was a great shot blocker due to his size.
Given Shaq’s playstyle, Jokic will not enjoy posting up Shaq but the Nuggets big man has other ways. His game from the perimeter to the mid-range is dangerous, as he can effortlessly score from these areas while also ensuring his teammates are getting the most open shots possible because of his superb passing skills.
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