Shaquille O'Neil thinks Nikola Jokic didn't deserve NBA's 2023-24 MVP title
Serbian NBA star marks NBA career milestone with third MVP title
Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic won the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the 2023-24 season on Wednesday, Marca reported.
However, the report also revealed that NBA legend Shaquille O'Neil thinks the 29-year-old basketball player doesn't deserve it.
After beating fellow candidates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks to mark his third MVP title, Jokic made an appearance on TNT's "Inside The NBA".
During the episode, Shaq didn't mince words, asserting his belief that Gilgeous-Alexander deserved the MVP over Jokic.
Shaq directly addressed Jokic, saying: "You know I love you. You're the best player in the league. I want to congratulate you. But I want you to hear it from me first; I thought that SGA should have been the MVP; that's no disrespect to you."
In a diplomatic response to Shaq's remarks, Jokic said: "We don't judge people here, that's fine it's your opinion."
According to Marca, Jokic's commanding performance throughout the season garnered him an impressive 79 first-place votes and a total of 926 points.
The Serbian's statistical prowess is underscored by his historic feat of averaging over 25 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists per game.
This milestone was last achieved by Oscar Robertson over six decades ago.
-
Nikola Vucevic heads back to Orlando Magic after rejecting lucrative offers
-
What is Bobby Bonilla Day? Why Mets still pay him $1.19m every July 1
-
Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres breaks silence on transfer links
-
Gilberto Mora nearly misses out on breaking Pele historic World Cup record
-
Why Kylian Mbappe’s girlfriend Ester Exposito hasn't been seen supporting him at the World Cup
-
Kawhi Leonard set for stunning Raptors return in blockbuster NBA trade
-
Kylian Mbappe scores twice as France star chases Lionel Messi World Cup record
-
England hit by brutal warning ahead of DR Congo World Cup knockout