Shaquille O’Neal’s Surprise Response to Nikola Jokic’s Third MVP Award
O’Neal’s Unexpected Opinion Stirs Discussion
Nikola Jokic’s historic third MVP award in four seasons was met with mixed reactions, including a surprising one from legendary NBA star Shaquille O’Neal. During an interview with Jokic on “NBA on TNT,” O’Neal expressed his own opinion on who he believed should have won the award.
“You know I love you, you’re the best player in the league,” O’Neal began, “but I want to congratulate you, but I want you to hear it from me first. I thought the SGA should’ve been the MVP, that’s no disrespect to you, but congratulations.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Stellar Season
O’Neal’s choice for MVP was Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had a phenomenal season. Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, averaging an impressive 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.
Jokic’s Respectful Response
Jokic responded to O’Neal’s comment with both grace and humor: “Thank you Shaq. We don’t judge people here, so that’s fine. It’s your opinion. I’m joking,” Jokic said, with a laugh.
A Season of Historic Dominance
Despite O’Neal’s opinion, Jokic had a truly remarkable season. He became only the seventh player in NBA history to win three MVP awards in four seasons. His averages of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game placed him in the top 10 in all three categories.
The Significance of Jokic’s Success
Jokic’s MVP award is a testament to his extraordinary talent and the dominance he has displayed. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways has made him one of the most versatile and effective players in the league.
O’Neal’s Legacy and Respect
While O’Neal’s opinion differed from that of the voters, his own legacy and impact on the NBA are undeniable. As one of the greatest centers of all time, O’Neal’s perspective always carries weight in basketball discussions.
In conclusion, Nikola Jokic’s third MVP award is a significant milestone in his career. While Shaquille O’Neal expressed a surprising opinion on the matter, it does not diminish the historic achievement Jokic has earned. The 2023-24 NBA season was a testament to his unwavering dominance, and his place among the league’s elites is cemented.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
