Shaquille O'Neal Sends Five-Word Message To NBA MVP Nikola Jokic

NBA analyst Shaquille O'Neal recently spoke with the 2024 NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic. The Denver Nuggets star just secured his third MVP award, becoming the third player in NBA history to achieve that feat.

While Jokic had a phenomenal season for the defending champions, many believe he should not have received the award. Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic were two other candidates.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, despite having the youngest roster in the league. He finished the season averaging 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds.

Doncic led the league in scoring but still finished No. 3 in MVP voting. He ended the season with an average of 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds, helping the Mavericks secure the No. 5 seed in the West.

There's an argument to be made that Jokic should have been placed at three among this group.

O'Neal acknowledged Jokic's greatness, but he believes the NBA made a mistake. He told Jokic to his face, during the MVP interview that Gilgeous-Alexander should have won the award, but he sees Jokic as the best player in the league.

"I don't like to rain on people's parade, but I'm not happy with this one. ...I felt Shai deserved it," said O'Neal, via NBA on TNT.

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