Nikola Jokic is having a terrific season with the Denver Nuggets, putting up incredible numbers, becoming the frontrunner to win the 2021 MVP award. The Serbian big man has improved his game season after season and this year, he’s become a superstar in the association.
After losing Jamal Murray to a torn ACL, the Nuggets have entered a 3-win game streak and the Joker has played a big role in keeping his team afloat. Nikola is doing impressive things for a big man, leading his team to the 4th position in the Western Conference, confirming he’s one of the best players in the world.
Jokic this season vs. Shaq’s MVP season. 👀
(h/t @sidelinesources) pic.twitter.com/E96p6hV58t
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 20, 2021
He’s playing so great that he’s being compared to Shaquille O’Neal and the big season he had in 1999/20. Recently, the NBA community found out about the comparisons between Jokic and Shaq and how similar their numbers were. However, some made the case for the 25-year-old while others said that it’s unfair to compare the 4x NBA champion with anybody nowadays.
https://twitter.com/Hopptimist/status/1384412087938551808
What more does Jokic need to do to be talked about and hyped like other superstars?? Insane numbers + playoff success yet is still always an after thought
— lehbum (@playoffpowell24) April 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/LeBronGoCrazyy/status/1384362389655728130
embiid doesn’t even compare to jokic without the refs help!! the best center in the league is in denver😁
— 👁️ (@wayy2slimey) April 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/AldoHumbled/status/1384363256874250243
With all due respect jokic is mvp. Steph and embiid are playing great but this would be a robbery
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) April 20, 2021
You can’t really compare Jokic to a man who averaged 30 14 and 3 blocks 🤣
— bruh (@csordie) April 20, 2021
The nuggets get about 3 possessions more per game than shaq's lakers did. And considering the difference in minutes, it's probably a wash if not still tilted in shaq's favor.
— Jordan Scott (@jordandan53) April 20, 2021
Shaq was playing in the highest defensive era for big centers jokic is playing small ball
— HabteSabroso (@habte_sabroso) April 20, 2021
Not to mention over 40% from 3 and Shaq didn't stretch the floor at all.
— NW NUGS (@NWNugs) April 20, 2021
Shaq was an all-timer, no doubt. Hard to compare anyone to Shaq. ..however, Shaq’s inability to hit free throws was a glaring weakness, making him a liability late in close games. Hack-a-Shaq existed b/c it worked. Jokic has less power, but zero weaknesses in his offensive game.
— Joe Kitch (@Joe_Kitch) April 20, 2021
https://twitter.com/SOg303/status/1384414947786985474
Bro Shaq would average 40 in this era and plus he would’ve adapted to the game and developed a jumper don’t ever compare them two again
— happy vikings fan (@K0BEDR0PPED81) April 20, 2021
Shaq the most dominant ever simple as that
— Alex🔮 (@0toHerro) April 20, 2021
Shaq was one vote away from becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history that year. That should tell you how dominant he was. Jokic is doing a terrific job this campaign, helping his team to thrive in the West although they had a rough start. If there’s a reason why the Nuggets can compete this year, that’s Nikola Jokic and the MVP award would be the cherry on the top for an incredible season.
If he deserves to be compared to Shaq? We will see that at the end of the season. Right now he seems to be the favorite to take the coveted prize home but time will tell if he finally earns his first MVP award.
