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NBA Champion Avery Johnson weighs in on Nikola Jokic vs. Shaquille O’Neal, ‘most physically dominant…’

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 8:30 PM ET

Nikola Jokic has a resume that stacks up against Shaquille O’Neal, although one former player and NBA champion will still take the Big Diesel.

After winning his third MVP award in 2024, there is a very real case to be made that Nikola Jokic is one of the best centers of all time , joining the likes of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain.

However, despite boasting more MVPs and a worse supporting cast throughout his career, Jokic, to some, is yet to pass Shaquille O’Neal, who was undeniably the most physically dominant player ever.

In a recent list published by CBS Sports, Jokic was listed as the best center of the 21st century, with O’Neal settling for second place. One former player still thinks Shaq takes the cake.

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Avery Johnson claims Shaquille O’Neal is better than Nikola Jokic

While Jokic plays with finesse never seen before from the big-man position, some former players of an older generation relish the bruising force that Shaq dominated with.

Of course, Jokic has averaged more points, rebounds, and assists in this quarter-century, although O’Neal can boast four titles and three Finals MVPs, which is a compelling argument.

“Shaquille O’Neal, in my opinion, is one of the top two centers of all time behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,” declared Avery Johnson, snubbing Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.

“Shaquille O’Neal was the most physically dominant center that I coached against, played against…the physicality, this guy was so physically imposing. It’s nothing against Nikola Jokic. But I personally would have Shaquille O’Neal on the first team.”

While Johnson makes his case, Jokic was joined on the All Quarter-Century First Team by LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Stephen Curry, and Kobe Bryant.

Shaq vs. Joker argument overlooks key detail

When arguing over who has been better in the 2000s, O’Neal’s final five seasons are conveniently forgotten about. On top of that, Jokic is only 30 years old and has plenty of prime left in the tank.

It’s very realistic that Jokic could finish his career with multiple rings and upwards of five MVP awards, which would easily put him ahead of O’Neal, even with the Lakers’ nostalgia giving Shaq a boost.

In addition to Jokic still being in his prime, one can’t overlook the loyalty. Jokic seems destined to play for only one franchise, despite the Miami Heat’s best efforts. O’Neal suited up for six different teams and ended his career as a true “ring chaser.”

From 1992 to 2006, O’Neal was a force, but from 2006 to 2011, he was a shell of his former self. Until Jokic hits a steady decline, it’s impossible to ignore his case that he will–sooner rather than later–catch up to Shaq, if he hasn’t already.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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