Nikola Jokic, Viktor Vembanjama are nicknamed ‘only big men’ by Shako
As a legendary former player Shaquille O’Neal dropped the mic on a bunch of topicsit cannot be denied that his opinion is valued in the world of basketball. With O’Neal is known for his opinion on the NBAanalyst is featured on another show to discuss topics surrounding current NBA big men.
On “Unsportsmanlike Conduct,” O’Neal would be asked about the return of the league’s “big man” archetype, which the former player embodies to a tee. However, O’Neal would balk at the idea, saying that the only two that fall into that category are Denver Nuggets‘ Nikola Jokic and San Antonio Spurs‘ Victor Vembanyama.
“Stop it, the big man’s not back,” O’Neill said Tuesday. “Because no one comes forward. Just because you’re seven feet tall and you shoot jumpers doesn’t make you a big man. (Nikola Jokic) is the only guy I would consider a big man, and Wemby, that’s two. But I remember when every team had a center, so now you just have a bunch of guys running and catching in the same spot.”
“The big man isn’t back … because nobody’s answering. Just because you’re seven feet tall and shooting jumpers doesn’t make you a big man. (Nikola Jokic) is the only guy I would consider a big man, and Wemby.”
– Shak
(via @UnSportsESPN)pic.twitter.com/mirpPrKSH3
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 18, 2026
Shaquille O’Neal on big men having to ‘play the percentages’
O’Neal would talk more about changing the game plan for many centers in the league, which is a focus on shooting from mid-range or from the three-point line instead of pulling up. He would be asked if a player like him could lead a team to a title, and O’Neill replied that he didn’t have to be like him and that “it’s about playing percentages.”
“It’s about playing percentages,” O’Neill continued on the show. “If I’m seven-foot, 300 pounds, and I’m bigger and stronger than everybody else, I want to get a high-percentage shot. I want to use my grit to, you know, put the other team in a defensive situation. . . . It’s just about being smart. If I’m seven-five, I’m not picking one jumper and shooting a six.”
It remains to be seen how big men will develop in the future of the NBA.
2026-02-18 22:32:00
