Shaquille O'Neal: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should have won MVP last year

Former NBA champion and one of the greatest centers in history, Shaquille O'Neal, shared his opinion about the race for the MVP award in the current season of the NBA. The winner of four championship rings expressed his support for the Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the playmaker of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who is already one of the well-known faces of the NBA.

O'Neal, who has always been known for his straight approach, did not hide his emotions for the 26-year-old player from Toronto. 

"I thought he should have won the MVP last year, that's what I said. When I was younger and watched basketball, I always believed that the MVP should be a player who completely dominates, who can silence the crowd with his game. Nobody plays like him. I adore this guy," said the 53-year-old O'Neal.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the league with an impressive 32.9 points per game (with 52.1% shooting), caused a lot of discussions and reactions among funs but also among the experts. 

Nikola Jokić

Many believe that the MVP award could still go to Nikola Jokić. Namely, the Serbian players is unstoppable this season, and his Denver Nuggets have been at the top of the Western Conference for a long time.

Jokić, who recorded a triple-double average this year with 29.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.3 assists, is constantly setting new records, and even when injuries slowed him down, he showed his dominance. 

His last performance, when he scored 39 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and handed out 10 assists against the Milwaukee Bucks, only confirmed that he is one of the best in NBA history.

The NBA center seems to play with much more ease than his opponents.

"You know I love you, Jokić, you are the best player in the league, but I want to tell you that I personally thought that Gilgeous-Alexander should have been the MVP this year. With due respect to you," said O'Neal, putting an accent on Nikola's dominance.

It is clear that there is a lot of talent and great basketball players in this basketball league, and opinions vary. It will be interesting to find out who will win.