NBA

Shaq tells Nuggets star Nikola Jokic he did not deserve MVP award throughout stay interview: ‘No disrespect to you’


Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic picked up his third MVP award in 4 seasons on Wednesday, however not everybody was happy with the voting outcomes. Shaquille O’Neal was considered one of them. 

Throughout an interview with Jokic on “NBA on TNT,” the previous Los Angeles Lakers star let everybody know precisely how he felt and who he thought ought to have received the award. 

Shaquille O’Neal on the TNT NBA Tip-Off broadcasts stay earlier than the sport on Oct. 24, 2023 on the Ball Enviornment in Denver. (Jamie Schwaberow/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs)

“You understand I like you, you’re the perfect participant within the league,” O’Neal started.

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“I need to congratulate you, however I need you to listen to it from me first. I assumed the SGA ought to’ve been the MVP, that’s no disrespect to you, however congratulations.”

O’Neal was referencing Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who acquired 15 first-place votes, 40 second-place, 40 third-place, three fourth-place and one fifth-place nod.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plays against Portland

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, #2 of the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, handles the ball in the course of the second half in opposition to the Portland Path Blazers at Paycom Middle on Jan. 11, 2024 in Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma. (Joshua Gateley/Getty Photographs)

NUGGETS’ NIKOLA JOKIC WINS NBA MVP FOR 3RD TIME

“Thanks Shaq. We don’t choose folks right here, in order that’s fantastic. It’s your opinion. I’m joking,” Jokic responded, letting out fun. 

The six-time NBA All-Star went on so as to add that “there’s lots of gamers that deserve it.” 

O’Neal’s help of Gilgeous-Alexander stems from his stellar efficiency this season, which helped Oklahoma Metropolis to the No. 1 seed within the Western Convention by averaging 30.1 factors, 5.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists. 

LeBron James pokes the ball away

Los Angeles Lakers ahead LeBron James, left, knocks the ball from the palms of Denver Nuggets heart Nikola Jokic in the course of the second half in Sport 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff collection on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Picture/Mark J. Terrill)

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Jokic grew to become the seventh participant in NBA historical past to win the MVP award 3 times in 4 seasons. He averaged 26.4 factors, 12.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists, however was the one participant to rank within the NBA’s high 10 in factors, rebounds and assists per sport this season.

He acquired 79 of a potential 99 first-place votes. 

The Related Press contributed to this report. 

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