Charles Barkley can’t accept Nikola Jokic to be ‘Top 5 Center of all time’; refuses to kick Hakeem Olajuwon out

NBA legend Charles Barkley made an intruiging case regarding the Top 5 centers of all time involving Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.

Charles Barkley can’t accept Nikola Jokic to be ‘Top 5 Center of all time’; refuses to kick Hakeem Olajuwon out

Charles Barkley and Nikola Jokic

Discussions regarding this generation of players continue as the NBA playoffs continue. Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley engaged in a heated argument on this evening’s NBA on TNT. The topic? If Nikola Jokic were one of basketball’s top five centers. It’s safe to say that it brought some funny reactions from the former NBA players.

For Jokic to even be considered in this iconic list showcases that his career has been nothing but epic in such a short span. In fact, O’Neal has always been a vocal supporter of the Denver Nuggets star, showcasing his support for him multiple times during the years. So much so that he has called the Joker ‘one of the best’ in the world.

However, when it comes to the ‘Top 5 Centers’, both O’Neal and his co-host Charles Bakley think otherwise. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Shaq were the first four names on the list, and they were quite typical. The Diesel guessed that Jokic would complete the list, so he said, “and then him.” However, Barkley quickly chimed in, saying, “No. Put an end to it. “Stop it.”

Barkley’s reaction was justified because he had Hakeem Olajuwon as 5th in his Top 5 list. Olajuwon was one of the best centers of his time, with Barkley also heaping immense praise on the big center on the NBA on TNT show.

Shaq clarified that he loves Jokic and bases his picks on “what he sees” on the floor, even though no list is incorrect. Chuck concurred, stating that the Joker is among the most talented basketball players he has ever seen. Barkley subsequently explained that Jokic is comfortably in his Top 10 even though he wasn’t on his Top 5.

Charles Barkley ONCE called Nikola Jokic the ‘best player in the world’

Charles Barkley is known for his weird and unusual takes in and around the NBA. However, his take regarding Nikola Jokic in December 2024 was nothing unusual. Barkley stated in an interview with Come And Talk 2 Me that he thinks Jokic is the world’s greatest player. He spoke highly by praising the 2023 NBA Champion.

Joker is the best player in the world right now… He’s the most skilled big man ever, he’s not the best, but we’ve never had a seven-foot guy who plays center who can shoot threes. He can post up. He’s the best passing big-man ever. 

Charles Barkley said

In today’s world, many would agree with Barkley’s take regarding Jokic. The Serbian is in a class of his own over the years in the NBA. In 692 regular-season games, Jokic shot 55.7% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range, averaging 21.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
In addition, he has played in 83 NBA postseason games.

Another day, another NBA history record for Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are involved in one of the most competitive and exciting NBA Playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, with the series level 2-2. Thanks to Jokic’s Game 4 heroics. In 43 minutes of play, Jokic finished with a massive double-double of 36 points and 21 rebounds, along with eight assists, two steals, a block, and three triples.

The NBA quickly responded to Jokic’s incredible performance by revealing yet another piece of historic information about the Nuggets’ big man.

Jokic is now 1 of 4 players in NBA history to tally 35/20/8 in a playoff game

The NBA posted on X

The Nuggets are going to require more of the same from Jokic, who has been nothing short of brilliant in this series. But in this series, the Clippers have already triumphed once away from home, and they will try to do it again on Tuesday.

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