Shaquille O’Neal Drops Truth Bomb on Nikola Jokic’s Biggest Problem

When it comes to NBA legends, few names resonate like Shaquille O’Neal. The former Los Angeles Lakers superstar, a three-time NBA champion with the franchise and one of the most dominant centers in history, has never been shy about sharing his insights on the modern game. Recently, O’Neal turned his attention to Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ superstar who has redefined the center position in today’s era.

While O’Neal praised Jokic’s incredible basketball IQ and all-around offensive dominance, he also pinpointed what he believes is the biggest problem holding the Serbian MVP back from being even greater: his defense.

Who is Nikola Jokic?

Nikola Jokic, often referred to as “The Joker,” entered the NBA as the 41st pick in the 2014 Draft by the Denver Nuggets. Initially overlooked, he has since become one of the most unique and dominant players in league history. Known for his elite passing, court vision, and scoring versatility, Jokic has transformed what it means to play the center position.

Unlike traditional big men who dominated the paint through size and athleticism, Jokic is a playmaking center. He consistently ranks among the league leaders in triple-doubles and has the rare ability to act as the offensive hub for Denver. In 2021, he won his first NBA MVP Award, and has remained a top contender for the title every season since.

Jokic’s combination of size, skill, and basketball intelligence makes him virtually unstoppable on offense. Yet, as O’Neal pointed out, it is on the defensive end where questions remain.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Perspective on Jokic

In a recent discussion, Shaquille O’Neal dissected Jokic’s game and delivered his trademark blunt assessment. While he lauded Jokic’s brilliance on the offensive side, O’Neal stated clearly that defense is the Joker’s greatest weakness.

According to O’Neal, Jokic’s biggest problem lies in guarding quicker, more athletic players, particularly in high-stakes playoff situations. Shaq, who built his legacy as one of the most dominant forces inside the paint, stressed that true greatness requires a balance of both offense and defense.

“His IQ is off the charts, his passing is phenomenal, and his scoring is great,” O’Neal explained. “But on defense, that’s where he struggles. In today’s NBA, you can’t afford to have defensive lapses, especially as a big man.”

The Defensive Challenge

O’Neal’s critique resonates with many analysts who have pointed out that Nikola Jokic, while effective in positioning himself and reading plays, can be exposed by faster opponents who pull him away from the basket. Guards and versatile forwards often target him in pick-and-rolls, forcing him into uncomfortable situations on the perimeter.

This isn’t to say Jokic is a poor defender altogether. His size and awareness allow him to disrupt passing lanes and grab defensive rebounds at a high rate. However, when compared to more athletic centers, Jokic lacks the lateral quickness and shot-blocking intimidation that define elite defenders.

Why Defense Matters

As O’Neal highlighted, defense wins championships. While offensive brilliance can carry a team far, the ability to consistently stop opponents often separates champions from contenders.

The NBA playoffs in particular expose weaknesses. Teams adjust their strategies across a seven-game series, and defensive liabilities are quickly targeted. For Jokic, improving this area could mean the difference between regular-season dominance and continued postseason glory.

The Evolution of Defense in the NBA

The modern NBA is very different from the league Shaquille O’Neal dominated in the 1990s and early 2000s. Today, the game is faster, more perimeter-oriented, and heavily dependent on spacing. Big men are expected to switch onto guards, defend the three-point line, and move laterally at speeds that traditional centers rarely needed.

Players like Joel Embiid and Bam Adebayo have showcased the importance of being able to defend both inside and outside. Their ability to contest shots at the rim while also switching onto perimeter scorers has made them invaluable in today’s schemes.

For Jokic, adapting to this evolution means finding ways to compensate for his lack of elite athleticism with sharper positioning, anticipation, and stamina.

Comparisons with Other Legendary Centers

Shaquille O’Neal’s critique also brings up comparisons with past NBA legends. Centers like Hakeem Olajuwon and Bill Russell were not only dominant offensively but also set the standard defensively.

Olajuwon was regarded as one of the greatest shot-blockers and defenders in history, known for his quick feet and ability to guard multiple positions. Bill Russell, meanwhile, built his legacy on defense, leading the Boston Celtics dynasty with his unmatched ability to alter shots and control the paint.

When viewed through this lens, Jokic’s defensive shortcomings become more pronounced. His offensive game might rival or even surpass many of these greats, but his defensive limitations raise questions about his place in the conversation of all-time great centers.

Jokic’s Offensive Impact on the NBA

Despite critiques, Jokic’s impact on the game is undeniable. Offensively, he has completely reshaped how teams view the center position.

Playmaking Ability

Jokic’s passing is second to none. Averaging more than 8 assists per game in multiple seasons, he is often compared to elite guards in terms of court vision. His ability to orchestrate plays makes him the engine of Denver’s offense, creating scoring chances not just for himself but for every teammate.

Offensive Versatility

Jokic can score from anywhere on the court—whether it’s hitting a mid-range jumper, a three-pointer, or using his soft touch around the rim. His versatility stretches defenses and creates mismatches that few players can handle. During the 2021 playoffs, he averaged over 25 points per game, proving he can carry the scoring load in the biggest moments.

Future Outlook for Jokic

While Shaquille O’Neal’s comments highlight an area of concern, Jokic’s career trajectory suggests he has the ability and work ethic to continue improving. If he can refine his defensive positioning, increase his footwork and conditioning, and enhance his awareness on the perimeter, he could close the gap between his offensive dominance and defensive reliability.

Potential Areas for Improvement

1. Footwork and Lateral Speed – Developing quicker side-to-side movement will help him defend against guards in pick-and-roll situations.

2. Defensive Positioning – Mastering angles and body placement can make up for a lack of raw athleticism.

3. Conditioning and Stamina – Improved endurance will help Jokic stay sharp in late-game and playoff scenarios.

4. Film Study and Awareness – Anticipating plays can allow Jokic to counter quicker players more effectively.

Conclusion

Shaquille O’Neal’s assessment of Nikola Jokic is both fair and thought-provoking. The Nuggets superstar is arguably the most gifted offensive big man in NBA history, but his defense remains a point of concern. In today’s league, where versatility is king, addressing this weakness could elevate Jokic from MVP-caliber player to a complete all-time great.

Whether he makes those strides will define not just his legacy but also the future success of the Denver Nuggets. For now, Jokic remains a generational talent who continues to push the boundaries of what a center can be in the modern NBA.