In a recent podcast appearance, Boston Celtics legend and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell made waves with a bold take on Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, comparing him to two of the game’s all-time great big men: Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon. Despite Jokic’s impressive resume—three NBA MVPs and a 2021 NBA Finals championship—he hasn’t always received the respect he deserves from basketball’s old guard. However, Maxwell, the 1981 NBA Finals MVP, broke from tradition with a statement that’s sure to stir debate among NBA fans, particularly those nostalgic for the 1990s.
During a lively round of “start, bench, cut” featuring Shaq, Jokic, and Olajuwon—all Hall of Fame or Hall of Fame-caliber players—Maxwell didn’t hesitate to make a controversial choice. “I would cut Shaq,” he declared. “Jokic’s game translates better than Shaq’s game. I would keep Jokic on the bench, start Olajuwon, cut Shaq. Not disrespectful, it’s just the way the game is played now.” Maxwell’s reasoning highlights how Jokic’s versatile skill set, which includes elite passing, shooting, and basketball IQ, aligns more closely with the demands of today’s NBA compared to Shaq’s physically dominant, paint-centric style.
Maxwell went on to elaborate, emphasizing the unique dominance of Hakeem Olajuwon as the key factor in his decision to start the former Houston Rockets star. “It is completely different because Olajuwon dominated the game in such a way that he dominated more of the game on the defensive end and the offensive end than any player in the history of the game,” Maxwell said. Olajuwon’s legendary footwork, scoring prowess, and defensive mastery—evidenced by his two Defensive Player of the Year awards and all-time leading shot-blocker status—set him apart.
Nikola Jokic becomes the fastest center since Shaq to record 15,000 career points. pic.twitter.com/mTdhp38zd1
— Polymarket Hoops (@StatMamba) December 31, 2024
When Maxwell’s co-host suggested that the starting spot could be a toss-up between Olajuwon and Jokic, Maxwell was quick to reaffirm his choice of Olajuwon, citing the Dream’s superior defensive impact. “As great as Jokic is as an offensive player, defensively, you don’t think of him that way,” Maxwell noted. “Dominating from a defensive standpoint, that’s why I say Olajuwon fundamentally dominates the game more than any of those two. Shaq was a great offensive player. Defensively, he blocked some shots, but if you gave him a pick-and-roll, he wasn’t going to make steals or anything like that.”
Maxwell’s comments underscore the evolving nature of the NBA, where Jokic’s all-around game fits seamlessly into the modern emphasis on versatility and playmaking from big men. While Shaq’s dominance in the paint was unmatched in his era, Maxwell believes Jokic’s ability to orchestrate an offense and adapt to today’s pace-and-space game gives him an edge. Olajuwon, however, remains the gold standard for his ability to control both ends of the floor. Maxwell’s bold take is a testament to Jokic’s growing legend, placing him in the same conversation as two of the greatest centers in NBA history.