"I'm the leader, the god, and the ruler, but Nikola" - Shaq bows down to Serbian star Jokic

Ever since Shaquille O'Neal hung up his sneakers and transitioned to analyst, he's made it clear he won't sugarcoat his opinions, especially when it comes to centers. And he's sticking to that.

However, he has hailed Serbian center Nikola Jokic and claimed he has been impressed by the player.

"The league is soft. A lot of people think I have a problem with Rudy Gobert, but that's not true. If you're making $250 million, play like you're making $250 million. That's all I'm asking," O'Neal said on the Big3 podcast with Ice Cube, via Sportal.

In his typical fashion, he added, "I'm the leader, the god, the ruler of the Center Union. When someone wins four titles, they can replace me. Until then, 'Shaqture' reigns.

"They don't mention me in the GOAT conversation, but everyone mentions me when they talk about the most dominant players. Me and one other guy."

That "one other guy" he holds in high regard is Nikola Jokic. O'Neal has always had praise for the Serbian center, once telling him:

"You are now officially a member of the Centre Union. This is a real centre, America. The other guys aren't, but you are."