Mad Dog Russo’s recent claim on First Take has certainly stirred up controversy in the basketball world, as he boldly declared that Nikola Jokic is better than Shaquille O’Neal. Russo’s assertion came amidst his praise for the Denver Nuggets and their standout performances in crucial matchups.
“I’m taking Denver. I love their, their, they, you can tell they have risen to the occasion in big spots. They’ve beaten the Celtics twice. They beat the Lakers in LA when LeBron had the 40,000-point game.”
I saw him play the Warriors about two Saturdays ago in Golden State. They did a tremendous job in the fourth quarter. They beat Miami last night in Miami matchup of course last year in the NBA. I love this team.”
Russo highlighted the Nuggets’ victories over formidable opponents like the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat, emphasizing their ability to excel in high-pressure situations. While acknowledging the greatness of Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, Russo reserved his highest praise for Jokic, even going as far as to suggest that the Serbian center might be the greatest center in NBA history.
“Now they’re not a great historical team. They got two great players. Murray’s great. How he hasn’t made an all-star team is ridiculous. I mean, Jokic might be, might be at the end of the day the greatest center in the history of the NBA.”
“And that’s saying a lot. He might be at the end of his career. He’s that good. He’s better than Shaq. I’ll tell you that right now. Oh, he is. And not just Shaq. I mean he’s better than Malone, Olajuwon. He does everything. He passes, he dribbles. He is great. Jokic is great.”
.@MadDogUnleashed believes Jokic is better than Shaq 😯
"Jokic might be … the greatest center in the history of the NBA … at the end of his career. He's better than Shaq, I'll tell you that right now." pic.twitter.com/gwf5lA9Z5d
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 14, 2024
Comparing Jokic to legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Moses Malone, and Hakeem Olajuwon, Russo lauded Jokic’s versatility, citing his exceptional passing and ball-handling skills as distinguishing factors. According to Russo, Jokic’s all-around game sets him apart from his predecessors, making him superior to even dominant big men like Shaq.
Russo’s bold proclamation is not without precedent, as he has previously courted controversy with his opinions on Shaq’s legacy. In the past, Russo ranked Shaq as the fifth-best center of all time, eliciting a response from the Hall of Famer himself. Additionally, Russo has questioned the decision of the Orlando Magic to retire Shaq’s jersey, further adding fuel to the fire of their contentious relationship.
Given Shaq’s outspoken nature and pride in his own accomplishments, it’s likely that he will have something to say in response to Russo’s latest remarks. Whether through social media or traditional media channels, Shaq’s rebuttal could reignite the debate over his place in basketball history and the validity of Russo’s controversial claims.
As basketball fans eagerly await Shaq’s potential response, Russo’s assertion has ignited a compelling discussion about the legacies of both Jokic and O’Neal, underscoring the enduring fascination with the NBA’s greatest players and their place in the pantheon of basketball history.
Nikola Jokic Still Has A Lot Of Work To Do To Pass Shaquille O’Neal
While Nikola Jokic undeniably stands as one of the most impressive players in today’s NBA, suggesting that he has already surpassed Shaquille O’Neal may be premature. Despite Jokic’s remarkable skills and achievements, the comparison to Shaq reveals that he still has considerable ground to cover in order to reach the same legendary status.
Shaq’s dominance during his prime was unparalleled. Standing at a towering 7’1″ and weighing over 300 pounds, he was a physical force unlike any other in the history of the game. Opposing teams were forced to adjust their entire defensive strategies simply to contain him, a testament to his overwhelming presence on the court.
Looking at Shaq’s statistical achievements only reinforces his status as one of the all-time greats. Throughout his illustrious career, Shaq boasted career averages of 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game, shooting an astonishing 57.2% from the field. His consistency in putting up dominant numbers season after season, including ten straight years of averaging over 25 points per game, underscores his impact on the game.
Furthermore, Shaq’s resume speaks volumes about his legacy in the NBA. With four NBA championships, three NBA Finals MVP awards, 15 All-Star selections, 14 All-NBA nods, and an NBA MVP trophy, he left an indelible mark on the league. Additionally, having his jersey retired by three different teams underscores the universal recognition of his greatness.
For Jokic to even enter the conversation alongside Shaq, he would need to achieve monumental milestones. This includes adding three NBA championships and two NBA Finals MVP awards to his resume, as well as accumulating ten All-Star and ten All-NBA selections. At just 29 years old, Jokic undoubtedly has time on his side, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges.
While Jokic has certainly carved out his own legacy as a glorified superstar and a unique talent with his exceptional passing abilities and all-around game, it’s premature to suggest that he has already eclipsed Shaq. The comparison serves as a reminder of the lofty standards set by O’Neal and the immense work that lies ahead for Jokic to cement his place among the basketball immortals.
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