Being a big man in the NBA today means hearing a lot of criticism from the Los Angeles Lakers legend, Shaquille O’Neal. The Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has earned his fair share of comments from the Hall of Famer.
But recently, Shaq was nothing but complimentary to the Nuggets’ big man.
As the Nuggets finished off the 2025-2026 NBA season on a high note, closing out on an 11-game winning streak, O’Neal praised Jokic for the season he had.
âI love the way heâs playing,” Shad said on Inside the NBA. “Listen, this guy will always be in the MVP category. I love the way heâs playing. Heâs playing great.”
GettySAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – APRIL 05: Shaquille O’Neal attends the Shaquille O’Neal Big Pod Event at Home Room San Antonio on April 05, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Chris Saucedo/Getty Images)
The Nuggets are entering the NBA Playoffs as the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed. They picked up a first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While some suggested the Nuggets should’ve avoided the Timberwolves matchup, O’Neal feels differently.
I said earlierâif Iâm himâI want that No. 3 spot to play Minnesota in the first round because he always has his way with Rudy Gobert,” Shaq added.
“Heâs playing with great energy and not worried about getting hurt. I donât know if heâs trying to get the MVP, but heâs playing great. If he does win it, congratulations. Great player.â
Where Does Nikola Jokic Stand In The MVP Conversation?
DENVER, COLORADO – NOVEMBER 02: Nikola Jokic #15 and Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets celebrate a shot in the second half against the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena on November 2, 2024, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Talking time is over. The voters are casting their picks, and Jokic is likely to end up in the top three once again.
As far as winning the MVP award goes, Jokic might be in trouble.
Anonymous voter polls and player surveys have chosen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the overwhelming favorite. While Denver’s final push could’ve impacted those results, that’s far from a guarantee.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 05: Nikola Jokic #15 and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets talk during the third quarter of Round Two Game One of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on May 05, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
MVP or not, Jokic remains one of the NBA’s top players and has his team as a threatening presence in the conference that was represented well in the NBA Finals during the 2024-2025 season.
Jokic and the Nuggets will begin their postseason run with Game 1 against the Timberwolves on Saturday, April 18.
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