NBA viewership is breaking all records since the start of the season. There has been a 92% increase in viewership year-over-year for nationally televised NBA games. The first two weeks of this NBA season have delivered most viewers in the past 15 years, that too with LeBron James’ absence. The credit for that certainly goes to stars like Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and more.
It is pretty difficult to judge who would be the MVP, come end of season. However, Charles Barkley gave his early predictions which did not sit right with Shaquille O’Neal.
“We just taking this dude for granted. He is the best basketball player in the world. You just going out there getting easy triple-doubles every and he ain’t getting them fluky 10 points. rebounds left. He gets like 25, 16, and 17.” Barkley said at 3:57.
Shaq interrupted and said, “I hate when you do that.” Barkley responded in shock, “Do what?”
Shaq explained, “Like I agree with everything you’re saying about the Joker. He’s good, but don’t discredit what Wemby is doing.”
Barkley made sure to confirm that he was not discreding Wemby but only being in awe of Nikola Jokic. The duo then bickered with each other and discussed how much impact each player has on his team. Shaq mentioned how both Nuggets and Spurs have the same 8-2 record.
Charles Barkley then confirmed his rankings for the MVP honors. He put the Joker first, then Luka and 3rd Wemby. To which Shaq replied, “You’re tripping.” Barkley also said, “I would give Luka MVP over Joker or the other way around.” He put Shai below Wemby at 4th.
Shaq mocked Barkley and asked him to “change his breath.” Barkley replied, “You don’t want to give Joker no credit ’cause you think they compare him to you. Listen, you Listen, what that boy, what that man is doing is just flat out housing people.”
“Joker would’ve killed you, took you out to the three-point line and just dotted your eye with them threes,” Barkley said.
Season Comparison So Far Between Luka, Joker, Wemby and SGA
Wemby has come out a different beast ever since the first game in the 2025-26 season. He is averaging 26.2 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Luka Doncic, on the other hand, is leading Lakers as LeBron has been out injured. He is astoundingly averaging 34.9 points.
Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have also been on their best form. In 11 games, Jokic brilliantly averages triple-double figures (28.8, 13.1, 10.9). Whereas defending NBA champion has carried forward his great form with 32.5 points per game in 13 games so far.
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