Nikola Jokic trolls Shaquille O’Neal by jokingly saying he wanted his game to resemble that of the NBA icon

Nikola Jokic, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal would be a force on the basketball court, but we know they’re a great trio off it.

The NBA greats have long had banter, often seen through Jokic’s postgame interviews on TNT broadcasts. This time it expanded to NBATV, with the two-time MVP making fun of it at O’Neal’s expense.

When asked who he modeled his playing on Jokic, he said, “I think it’s Shaq.”

“That means a lot, thanks brother,” O’Neal replied, as Grant Hill laughed.

Jokic then admitted he was joking. However, it didn’t stop ‘The Big Aristotle’ from praising the Serb for his triple-double NBA Finals debut.

The two-time NBA MVP celebrated after the Nuggets’ G1 Finals victory over the Miami Heat

Jokic – who has a good rapport with Barkley and O’Neal – had 27 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists

“One last thing, I don’t give many props to many big boys, but I give you all the props in the world, brother,” he said. “Very, very, very, impressive to see.”

Jokic was apparently honored by the compliments of O’Neal, who is known for his hard analysis.

The 6-foot-11 sensation had 27 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists as the Nuggets comfortably handled the Heat in Game 1 of the Finals.

As a result, O’Neal named Jokic a member of the ‘Big Man Alliance’.

“I give it to you, big man, great game. And you know what? You’re now a member of the Big Man Alliance,” he said.

Miami will have a chance to split the series at 1-1 when the teams meet again Sunday night at the Ball Arena.