Shaq tells Nikola Jokic to his face who he thought ought to’ve gained MVP

This Wednesday night, Nikola Jokic was named the 2023/24 MVP for the the third time in his profession, and this has created many alternative reactions throughout the NBA. Simply moments after the Nuggets heart was named one of the best participant within the league, he spoke to the Contained in the NBA panel to share his first ideas on the award. 

Everyone knows Shaquille O’Neal fairly nicely, and if one thing is for sure, he’s by no means been afraid of voicing his opinion, particularly if it has to do with one other large man. In the course of the interview, the Corridor of Famer instructed the Serbian that he thought another person deserved the accolade, however nonetheless confirmed him some love.

“Joker because the president of the Large Man Alliance – you’re the vp of the Large Man Alliance – you recognize I really like you. One of the best participant within the league, I wish to congratulate you.” Shaq began out. “I need you to listen to it from me first, I assumed SGA ought to have been the MVP. That’s no disrespect to you, however congratulations.”

The 2023-24 Kia NBA Most Useful Participant is… Nikola Jokic!#NBAAwards | #KiaMVP | @Kia pic.twitter.com/vvgSrHCHU9

— NBA (@NBA) May 8, 2024

The previous Lakers star now turned analyst then requested the Denver heart how he thought his group might beat Minnesota within the convention’s semifinals, however Jokic didn’t react to his query, earlier than he made a joke about O’Neal’s preliminary touch upon his MVP standing.

“Thanks, Shaq, we don’t choose folks right here. That’s advantageous it’s your opinion,” the Serbian worldwide stated earlier than laughing. “I’m joking.”

The NBA legend responded by saying that between them, there’ll at all times be love and honesty. “Hey, all good,” Shaquille replied. “I really like you. I really like your brothers. One factor we’re at all times going to do is maintain it actual with one another. Congratulations, I really like you.”

In actuality, The Joker beat his rivals slightly comfortably within the ballots, as he claimed 79 out of the 99-first place votes. Gilgeous-Alexander posted averages of 31 factors, 6.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds, whereas the Nuggets star had 26.4 factors, 12.4 rebounds and 9 assists throughout this previous common season.

However, Jokic is nicely conscious that different gamers like Luka Doncic additionally might’ve earned the popularity. “For actual, there are a whole lot of gamers that deserve it,” Nikola stated.

Jokic has develop into the primary large man in 60 years to beat the MVP 3 times in 4 campaigns

The 29-year-old has made historical past as soon as once more, as he simply turned the primary heart in six many years to earn this award 3 times all through 4 consecutive seasons. When requested to touch upon his latest accolade, he began by praising his personal teammates.

“It’s received to start out with the teammates; with out them, I can not do nothing,” he instructed the TNT panel. “Coaches, gamers, group, medical workers, power coaches, improvement coaches. It’s all one large circle. However I can’t be no matter I’m with out them.”

The Serbian is also now the ninth participant in NBA historical past to earn probably the most quantity of MVP awards, becoming a member of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6), Michael Jordan (5), Invoice Russell (4), LeBron James (4), and Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone, Larry Fowl and Magic Johnson all with three.

“It’s exhausting to distinguish greatness from greatness from greatness,” stated his coach Michael Malone of Jokic’s fixed enchancment. “After which that’s what he’s been over a number of years now. I do know the final six years now, we’ve had by far one of the best document within the Western Convention and solely second of the NBA behind, I believe, Milwaukee in that point.”