You almost never see Shaq this energetic and engaged these days. That's how you know Jokic is special.

Shaq will always have a passion towards big men in general. Like when the NBA got rid of the center position I'm the all-star game years ago, Shaq was pissed and went off during Inside The NBA.

Hall of Fame players recognize Hall of Fame talent sometimes. Jerry West went after Kobe Bryant with a vengeance. Jerry West was a Hall of Fame player, and the Hall of Fame GM. All he had to do was look at 1 workout and a few game films from Kobe Bryant, and he knew that he had his man. There are a lot of missed opportunities, but Joker is about as obvious a talent as LeBron James was

@Harry Maguire you gotta reword that first sentence my guy

​@Craig Wheeler That's not true Jokic grew into the game Lebron talent was seen when he was just in High School.

@Harry Maguire That's very true, he was always critical of big players who played the game soft because he loves to see someone out there that keeps the big man game alive. That's why he love Embiid and Jokic. Whereas others such as Dwight and Gobert he's critical because they sometimes don't live up to their potential.

This might be the first time I've seen Shaq being a real fan of a current player. That's a huge accomplishement.

He low-key love Nurkic. Big, strong, athletic and quite skilled. But not as agile as Shaq and Jokic.

He’s a big curry fan. But if you meant big wise then yea

shaq loves the big guys,, dwight, ampetukompo etc.. jokic wasnt the first

@Kiciks well how recent was it? Last vid I saw was pretty old, back when Dwight was popular

It’s crazy how good of a peak jokic is having. Top 5 peaks ever if he continues this and wins a chip or two. Only jordan,bron,shaq can be then put before him because this stuff is unseen with his efficiency

Shaq is so polite and respectful it literally sends chills down my spine.

Nah bro you feeling something else towards him 😳, politeness and respect shouldn’t make you feel like that lmao

@Samurai Piggy8 ay yo

😂😂😂

@Samurai Piggy8 I think what he is saying is that after he felt the chills down on his spine, something got hard. 😳

@Samurai Piggy8 oh my you just changed my life sir/maam/ms or whatever. I will never be the same. Thank you ❤️

Charles and Shaq look enthralled. Can tell they respect Jokic for bringing grandeur back to the big man position that’s been missing for so long.

"Just take what the game gives me". I really admire this. It shows versatility with the game only complete players have. Playing at his own pace, this man dictates the game.

He is so versatile he simply attacks the weakness of the other team's defense. Big man dribbling up court at speed?! What other big did that?

It’s the exact same mentality as LeBron. I think Jokic got more championships in him.

​@Andrew Eganhe doesn't want to be evolved for anywhere near put bron does man

Shaq rarely ever gives compliments like that, especially to a big man. He knows he’s talking too an all time great.

real recognizes real ☝️

True

Yup, of course the generation of big men that followed him was the weakest in league history so I guess he's just glad they're coming back lol

Shaq legit wanting to party with the Jokic brothers is funny as hell

He sounded so sad when he heard they left.

Party European/Serbian style!!!🎆✨⚡

​@elwin38 that's his thing. He was once with Doncic in somewhere in Slovenia or Serbia.

@elwin38 Shaq's a DJ, so he knows how Europeans party lol.

Those guys are wild, he is better off without them xD

Love how he have Chuck a bro hug, Chuck has been one of the few in sports media to give the Nuggets credit all season long.

Haha I saw that

​@AiartaChuck is Nuggets beliver ❤

Barkley is behind Nuggets like he was behind Milwaukee Bucks when they won the rings .... Intriguing

Quiet. Humble. Maintained Eye-Contact when Receiving a Compliment from a Champion he Obviously Respects. What a dude 👌

Balanced, well spoken, due respect for the other team, awesome respect for the Giants and yet quit humble all through this. May success find his way to him and NUGGETS

I've never seen Shaq like this with another active player, it's awesome to see the admiration for another all time great

How can you not like him. He’s like a big kid who just loves Basketball

the funny part is, Jokic doesn't even really like basketball lol

@Play4FundsNotFun I get that impression from him. He hasn’t busted a legit smile all throughout this run. Most players would bd smiling ear to ear like Jimmy Butler.

Thugkola yokic

Serbs don’t seem to enjoy anything. But they do, it’s just their demeanor. He’s a stone faced killer and being that good and humble is what makes him so special

@NoName718 players today have stewpidafrows

I love how Shaq got excited seeing him in person and you can see it in his eyes how proud he is of Jokic…

Who is he to be proud of Jokic???

​@rano jutro idk only one of the greatest big men of all time happy to see big men succeeding?

@rano jutro one of the 2-3 most dominant centers to play the game

Ofc. Shaq has been on the Jokic Train since his 2nd year in the League.

​@rano jutro The most dominant player in NBA history(in his prime)

I love how much Chuck was smiling when greeting Nikola Barkley just likes everything about Jokic, his play style, his attitude, his leadership, his accountability, and ofcourse his unmatched fashion style

Don't forget the haircut :)

I’ll be honest, I was hurt that they swept the lakers, but this man is just on a different level

Jokic as showing us how a dominant big man should be playing But what's incredible is his humility...How he carries himself...

Great chemistry here. Really enjoying the fact Shaq and Chuck are enjoying Joker as much as we do.

That's on the edge of being emotional... It's wonderful seeing Shaq excited, but even more Chuck, literally the only one in America giving credit to the nuggets, he knows that Jokic knows... A brief hug, and big honey Jok who clearly is dreaming to hang out with those guys without just talking about basketball, trying to stay serious and coherent with his role... I loved this 6:16 look at that Chuck smile

Shaq and Charles can’t keep a straight face. They both seem so fascinated & star struck by Jokic & I’m loving every moment! 😂

That’s how you know he’s special, when one of the most dominant big men EVER in Shaq and a hall of famer in Barkley are star struck

Because they're among the few people on Earth who can truly appreciate what it is they're seeing

It's not star struck, it's they love his game as big man.

Jokic and the Nuggets sooo good to watch in person. I saw them in Toronto twice. On TV they’re special. But the replay can never capture the full extent of the poetry on the court. I will never get to watch them live in a playoff game and I kick myself for that haha

@Doodoo Swaggy why do people act like playing basketball means you know more about what you’re seeing? If you watch the game, you see what Jokic is doing. He’s scoring, spacing the floor, directing his teammates, getting a few blocks in, screening, rebounding. Averaging a triple double in the playoffs and WINNING. It’s not stat padding, they need every point and the production is steady all four quarters. He can post up and get to any spot, turn around, lay it in or fade away and shoot it. What’s the fault in his game? No bounce? You need bounce when you can dunk flat footed? lol. And the ones saying he’s not in shape are blind. He plays more minutes and more games than any other superstar. He’s not explosive, but he’s strong like an ox with a diesel motor in that motherfucker and he’s never got to worry about losing his legs because he plays below the rim

As a Miami Heat fan, I would not mind if this guy wins it all. Class act!

What makes Nikola special is that he respects and never underestimates his opponents, yet crushes them when it comes down to it.

the respect he has for the Heat and what they did and acknowledging that is such a great thing. there are no losers in this series!!

I love seeing Nikola Jokic play. Shaq and Charles Barkley always cheer me up.

I watched Shaq all my life. Never seen him act with this level of respect toward a player. Jokic already has the respect of legends. 10 more years like this, he'll be on the Mt. Rushmore.

Can we all agree Nikola Jokic is the greatest nugget of all time and it’s not even close ?

Jalen Rose is..

@Bernard Bernabe how?

@Simona Hristovska He can say whatever he wants, the Joker’s surpassed him by a good distance.

@Simona Hristovska just by making the finals he passes Carmelo. He’s second just be happy with that

Melo wins you a game, Jokic wins you a series and hopefully, a championship

Jokic is the only reason I am watching the NBA right now.

I love Jokic. Nuggets fans have finally been blessed to have a guy like this after 40+ years of waiting. ENJOY THIS NUGGETS/BASKETBALL FANS!

I love the admiration Shaq and Chuck show Jokic. Jokic has earned all the respect of the All Time Greats.

I like how supportive Jokic is of his team. Gotta give them their moments when they are on fire

It's great to see that Shaq is happy to give credit to another big. He has been praising Jokic a lot recently.

Jokic getting his appropriate introduction to the masses is incredible. Literally no way to not root for someone this humble. Seemingly genuine

joel embid fake MVP

As a Denver native and hometown supporter of the Nuggets, this is just the dude we see everyday. He's basically just some guy who is polite and friendly and he plays a bit of basketball every now and then..... It's remarkable that he's as genuinely humble as he is because he worked his A$$ off to become the player he is. Long live the Joker

Say that to Kendrick Perkins

I was actually shocked on how nobody knew how hood Denver was until this year. I guess no one watched the bubble at all or even past two years ? Lol

@Jeff Wagner and if he’s not genuine we’ll probably never know it

06:49, the look in Joker's eyes when Shaq is giving him his props & blessing him....that's what it's all about! Dude is truly humbled & moved. For a Serbian, that's about as emotional as it gets. Lol! He respects the game & its history so much, you know he's geeked out! He might not sleep tonight, just thinking about this moment. I think Joker is about to go out here & sweep these Miami boys after that. No disrespect to Jimmy, Spo, & Heat Culture, but the torch has officially been passed. It's Joker's League now.

Agreeeed. Also about the Serbs haha. Special kind of folk. Lots of societal trauma there. Im European, I can say this hehehe. But yeah. People dont realise what they are watching with this guy. He ill be VERY high up there on the ´best ever stage´.

Sweep? How did that go

@Desani Hill nuggets in 5

Yep, came to watch this again for that

​@Desani Hilllight gentleman sweep

7:14 “A real big man here right here America, all you other guys NOPE” 😂😂😂 Shaq be killing me 😂

He's a fantastic playmaker. His passing and vision has impressed me the most during these playoffs. Dominant and a big game player

How can anyone not love watching this guy play?? I'm just excited to see big men dominating the NBA again, he's my favorite since Tim.

This is the moment when Shaq gives Jokic the Big Fella nickname. Shaq is feeling like a proud father on the inside.

How can you not like the guy, so humble as the big men of this game usually are

As a big man, you can either be humble and challenge yourself to get better when you're young, or you can be bull-headed and rely on your physicality to dominate. The latter don't make it in the nba. Even Shaq was incredibly technical and had very good fundamentals.

nuggets taking out the trash in 4

Gentle giants.

Why would you even think about not liking the guy. Geezus. Such a cliche comment.

Kendrick Perkins hates this guy.

Nikola Jokic is one of the smartest big man to ever play in the NBA. Incredible vision , Passing , sees the game 2-3 seconds ahead ! First class , humble gentleman ! Bravo . 🏀🙋‍♂️👍🏆

👍🏀🙋

Such a humble dude. Impossible not to like him. Just plays ball hard on the court, chill af off it.

Love the respect he shows, comes up and the first thing he does he shake everyone's hand.

If I learned one thing about Jokic from this interview, its that he's being honest

A real big man. Playing like a big man. Not trying to play like a guard or be flashy. The biggest guy on the court should be the most dominant guy on the court. He brings everything to the table and stays even kill. The real MVP. Don’t beg for it, just be about it 🙏🏾

Man i can tell shaq is just loving this. The big man is back in the game. 😂😂 Damn.. thanks for the likes and comments guys. For some reason i feel like i accomplished something 😂😂😂

And he embraced the game and constantly said Steph is his favorite player the past 10 years gotta love it

especially when jokic has a great post moves

@mattdotts that is 100% correct But deep down shaq always gonna root for the big man. It looks like chuck and Shaq have literally a man crush on jokic

nuggets destroyed the heat

Jokic is a shaq, Dirk and magic hybrid . And Dirk my favorite player of all time

Great for Denver & great for Jokic. So humble, it’s refreshing.

Whats great about this series is that no matter who won, the interview would be like this. Maybe not what the NBA wants, but what it needs.

jokic talking about the first bit of international players like Vlade and Dražen just goes to show what a nice person this guys is. Dražen would’ve been top 5 guards if the tragedy hadn’t happened.❤

Jokić is JUST TOO GOOD. Like a great fighter, he takes every opening and makes you pay.

I can not lie, I was a big Jokic hater before this season started.. but as I watch him play he literally plays the game the right way every play. If he sees his teammate open he’s making that pass he’s not reliant on scoring but can score at will and his shooting is super underrated. Plus he’s actually a genuine human being, loves being with his family and I love it. Jokic better get this ring.

Good thing you turned friend. Because I REALLY doubt the intentions of people hating him. Has to be race or him just being European. Because regarding his play and his personality... There is no objective reason. Seriously.

Your comment really made my day. It’s so cool when people give each other a fair shot and find they really like them after all. I admire that in you.🥹

@Jess Tiss no worries jess it’s

Shaq asking him to meet his brothers is a class act! Shaq is just different 😅

What is class act about that???

@rano jutroif a man introduces you to his family. That means more than anything! Family is everything for a lot of people.

Yeah.. and how is he different ? Mfs just say things now a days because it sounds good

@nofreehooks the greatest movie franchise, as well as IP of all time, the Fast and Furious saga, expresses the same sentiment of *F A M I L Y*

@Julian Family is really the only thing that matters at the end of the day. The people who really care about you at the end of the day. No matter what would have happened. It’s different for a lot of people. But if you can relate, you understand.

Jokic is special and Denver is an enjoyable team to watch. They play ball the "right way", the team are selfless and coordinated extremely well. The teammates know and trust each other, they are patient, calm and making smart decisions, and all of the above all started with Jokic as the center piece on the chess board. The scary thing about the Joker is that he doesn't even need to score but still is the most dominated and influential player on the floor

He's a unique talent because he *can* just take what the defense gives him. Having the skills to score or pass depending on the situation makes him almost impossible to defend. What a special player, and just a down to earth and humble person to boot. How can you not like this guy?

Shaq and Chuck are happy and delighted as children who have met their idol. Nice to see such kind of respect from two legends.

First interview I’ve heard of him didn’t think I’d like him. He’s a real baller nothing but respect.

This guy is so special. We are witnessing greatness

You can tell that Shaq is in awe. Never seen him that impressed by a player.

Yes, it's amazing. Over the years I've seen and heard Shaq just crucify centers that underperformed. This is really a different place for Shaq.

He likes to see the Big Guys do well. Shaq was in a great mood and very generous with Nikola.

@Randy Graham bucks would have been better If Giannis was healthy

@Randy Graham bucks would have been better If Giannis was healthy

@MPK 5this has nothing to do with Giannis

Jokic is the epitome of a great athlete. He’s letting everyone else tell him he’s great. He doesn’t have to tell you or tattoo it on his body.

Jokic is quickly becoming my favorite NBA player. Humble and the dude does not take his opponents lightly. Hes kinda like a more serious Steph Curry without the subtle jabs.

Curry aint nothing like Jokic, because Curry taunts may pretends to be humble

@wyt prz curry can do whatever he wants hes a 4x champion

This interview just solidified it . Nikola Jokic is my favorite player , and favorite person in the NBA

What people don’t seem to understand about Jokic, is that he’s probably the most cold blooded player in the league. Yes, he’s quiet, and can come off aloof and indifferent. But he said it himself, he felt excited before hand, but as soon as the first finals started, it was a regular old game for him, and that feeling is palpable. He played this game like a regular game, with such ease and composure. It might not be the straight faced, no emotion or smile cold-blooded that we saw in Kobe, LeBron, or MJ, but his type of cold blooded is why he’s so damn consistent on the biggest stage. It’s as if he doesn’t feel the pressure or the big lights that others feel, and that’s a superpower for a player of his talents consistency.

It's more than that. MJ and Kobe were there to dominate. Their will to win, their passion and their desire to win no matter the cost overwhelmed everyone. But The Joker is playing it as a business. That's why he says he does whatever the game gives him. He will do whatever leads to victory.

It is nice to see mutual respect and appreciation between Shaq and Jokic.

The sincere humility is real. Jokic is the very definition of a team player.

I really believe Nikola should have Shaq induct him into the Hall of Fame. You can tell they are developing a real bond between each other.

Awesome that Shaq and Chuck are covering the finals

If we ever know how hard it is to keep oneself humble and down to earth after so much praising from all over the world. This Jokic is special! Very rare human!

Shaq is the man and when he speaks of Nikola he shows his true love of the game

One of the best plays of the game was when jokic was backing down bam amd as soon as he felt the double team on his body he knew a teammate was wide open. In less than a half second he turns and hits brown wide open in the corner

He's so skilled and so smart. He's reacting to what he sees and feels and making great decisions. It's like hes in the zone the whole time!

He is the ZONE. Bro is so sharp and smart to make the right move. Decision making is always on point lmao how does he do that

He's so sick of doing media lol

@M R he's way more down for shaq and barkley's stuff, but the wonky tonky garbage is annoying

He did say he's not nervous or excited, but just so focused on playing the game

soon to be GOAT

Just plays the game...No trash talking ..Just gets the job done...Very humble person

Awesome interview. Amazing to see NBA legends kind of in awe of Jokic.... What a game!

This guy Joker soo Humble. Such a great player. Great person. He Deserves that Campionship 🏆

That's the true MVP right there on the verge of getting the Finals MVP award!!!! Much respect!

Jokic is a beast man. Love his game.

Shaq straight up just had a PROUD DAD moment 🤣

Facts.

Crazy seeing Shaq and Charles being almost speechless.

A really humble player and should have won the MVP of this season.

Jokic setting up at the top of the key is the secret to his success. The old school centers used to post up under the basket and the goal was to score. On the other hand, Jokic sets up away from the basket and this gives him sight lines to allows him to pass the ball to anywhere on the court. His priority is to get his teammates the ball, so they can attack the rim. If Denver wins the Finals, many teams will try to copy what the Nuggets are doing but that requires a high IQ big, which are not easy to find. Most bigs are one dimensional and only want to score for themselves and not create for others.

It doesn't hurt that Joker is one of the best passers in the world

Shaq and Chuck are both HOF players/big man and you can tell they were in awe

Honestly, I think Jokic is sort of the template for the "5" in the current version of the NBA. With spacing being the goal of offenses, its his PG passing skills from the 3pt arc that really make him special in today's NBA. His ability to defend in space out to the arc - which is an improvement he has made over the past few years, a good enough 3-pt that he uses sparingly to force being covered out of the key, and a few other skills he has are unique to him for players of his size. With patient teammates, they can pretty much force a favorable match up for him to hit a quick drive to a high percentage 2-pt shot which as open a bunch in Game 1 and will be a great counter if Miami switches up its scheme. But to be a 5 in today's NBA being big is not enough, you have to have legit guard skills on both side of the ball and be able to operate around the perimeter like Jokic to be a factor.

Jokic is a unicorn in the game of basketball. Such a privilege to watch night in, night out.

He started to get really good just as the "three-point revolution" was starting to get boring. The Nuggets were a huge breath of fresh air for me as a fan when they started running the offense through him in 2018 or so

Not at all.dude is average without the elbows, moving picks, push offs, and behind the backs but the team has great chemistry

​@M J So you mean the designated superstar Jason Tatum?

​@M Jhe set's solid screens never moves off until it's done quit making up stuff casual.

Wrong. Jokic is a SERBIAN KING.

Shaq and the Jokic Bros, now that's a formidable trio.

You can't help but love a humble, FAMILY-MAN, big guy! I think Jokic is MVP and going to bring the title to Denver. Go Nuggets, go!

I remember watching that game where Denver and Trialblazer had like 4 overtime. Love the game from Denver and even Portland. Keep it up. 💪

Jokic is just really fun to watch in and out of the court. Always humble.

2:15 I don’t chase scoring, i chase winning 🥳💪🏻🏆.

The players, coaches and execs all know … Jokic is special. He does not have bad games, he stays healthy, he makes his teammates better, he does everything except sell drama. You can tell Shaq was truly impressed with his game and has true respect. He doesn’t give up props to big men ever, to welcome him into the big man alliance is actually meaningful, as much as he joked about it

And Jokic truly appreciates the honor. What a great thing to be watching happen live! This will be all part of the legend one day, and i’m happy to witness it

he do have bad games... but his bad games look like other players best games :D

Lmao a “bad game” from him would be like 20+ points, about 12 rebounds and 7 assists 😭

Love seeing shah and chuck have such genuine reverence and respect for a player

It's too bad people don't seem to understand his greatness - fans and "professional commentators" alike. He's one of the best faces of the NBA too, as he brings humbleness, focus, intelligence, and teamwork. The NBA has become too focused on "superstars" who don't do much to elevate others on the team.

I’m happy he mentioned Boris Diaw since he was a unique player with great passing skills and great basketball IQ

We have entered another big man renaissance , and Jokic is leading the way

“I just play what the game gives me” What a beast…

I f’kin love that mentality. It totally shows in the way he plays, he’s just watching the floor and waiting for the opportunity.

​@JonahsWail he isn't looking to do anything in particular, just make the best play available. Shades of Timmy...

@dodge neon yea man, god I miss duncan

He is the ultimate read and react player really. So so good in reading the game and he has so many weapons in his arsenal that he can beat you in so many ways. He can turn any of his teammates into a deadly weapon if that is the right play.

But when I watch the Joker, it seems the other way around. It's like the game just play what he gives it... It's like Jokic is the game itself.

High IQ right there. He does make his teammates better. And doesn't whine for calls. Plays the right way. Down to earth. Love this big fella

Great game by Jokic and the entire Nuggets team!

He makes the game so fun to watch and he does it in his own new unique way. This man is indeed special.

Watching Jokic and this nuggets team is just as exciting as watching any other player on the league. Basketball fans love basketball, not just athletes who can jump high. Do your job NBA and market these amazing players

So cool to see Shaq excited to engage with another skilled big man. He's going to be the greatest since him and Shaq knows it.

Shaq: “I know you are excited” Jokic: “I am not excited” 😂 I like how he checks people prejudices

“Are you excited for the finals?” “Nah, I just wanna go back to my farm and chill”

his reply is honestly how u know he’s gonna win the chip for his team. no emotion, just laser focus… he can get excited when they win it all and he knows that. fully tapped into mamba mentality.

@John Striker I just wanna ride my horses 😭

If you ask me, all the love he's got from SHAQ ATTACK and Charles B is a separate milestone and achievement that not many have. Seeing Shaq honestly praise this humble guy is whole another level of bromance :D

What an incredible answer about the Miami Heat…I don’t know that I’ve ever seen an athlete ever show that kind of respect towards his opponent

He plays the game the way it should be played. That’s why he is so respected by older players.

I’m a piston fan 😢 but I watched this game and this was my first time seeing him play. It was crazy how good he is

Watch more of the guy haha. Seriously. He was VERY calm this match. If its needed... he goes wild. Trust me. Top 10 ever all said and done.