After successfully winning their first-ever franchise championship, the Nuggets are off to a strong start to the season.
Previous Finals MVP Nikola Jokic’s track record was the topic of discussion for Shaquille O’Neal and the rest of the TNT team ahead of their impending showdown with the Clippers in the in-season tournament.
Jokic received praise from O’Neal, who confidently proclaimed him as the most superior big man in the NBA.
“If you neglect to overtake this guy, you’re handing out Slovak coleslaw all day long,” O’Neal commented, incorrectly referring to Jokic’s Serbian origins as a Slovak.
“Listen. He’s hands down the best player in the league,” O’Neal said emphatically, only to repeat his words for emphasis.
When Kenny Smith proposed Joel Embiid’s name, O’Neal unequivocally reiterated his point, pointing to Jokic’s championship run which he said positioned him significantly superior to the 76ers’ center and MVP pick. ’22-’23.
Jokic’s stats for the current season are impressive, averaging 29.8 points, 13.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists, making 60.6% of his shots from the field.
He is the only player to rank in the top 10 in each of these statistical rankings across the league.
Shaq’s Serbian “I love you” to Nikola Jokic inside the NBA
Basketball legend and analyst Shaquille O’Neal pleasantly surprised Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic by speaking a little Serbian.
Midway through the Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers’ opening game, O’Neal expressed his fondness for Jokic by saying “Volim te!”, translating to “I love you!” in Serbian, Jokic’s native language.
Overwhelmed by Shaq’s thoughtful gesture, Jokic returned the favor in English.
READ ALSO : “Is he choking him?” : Draymond Green roasted by fans, as he, Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels are ejected for wild brawl
