Nikola Jokic is the reigning MVP of the league and has been balling out for the Denver Nuggets again this season. Despite the numerous injuries the franchise is dealing with, Jokic has led them to the 5th seed in the Western Conference with an 18-17 record.
The Nuggets played the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night and although Jokic put up 27 points and 16 rebounds in the contest, they succumbed to a 103-89 loss. After the game, Jokic was asked about his feelings about Mavs legend Dirk Nowitzki, who he’s often compared to.
Jokic responded by stating his admiration for the German, highlighting a particular aspect of Dirk’s career which has allowed fans a glimpse into what Jokic’s own future might look like. His words complimenting Nowitzki were shared by Nuggets reporter Mike Singer on Twitter.
“He’s one of the few guys that are playing for one team for their whole career. … I really, really admire him for that. … He didn’t abandon the team.”
Nikola Jokic asked about what he admires about Dirk: "He's one of the few guys that are playing for one team for their whole career. … I really, really admire him for that. … He didn't abandon the team."
— Mike Singer (@msinger) January 4, 2022
Jokic’s words will resonate with Nuggets fans, who will be hoping to keep their superstar center at the franchise as long as possible. Having built an elite team around the Serbian, the Nuggets have unfortunately had to deal with a number of injuries, especially to their second star Jamal Murray. This has stopped them from building upon their Western Conference Finals appearance in 2020 despite Jokic playing at a historic level.
Nowitzki was famously a Maverick for life, taking pay cuts in his later years to try and help the team win another championship. He managed to win one with the organization as well, leading his team on one of the greatest ever playoff runs that culminated in the defeat of Miami’s Big 3.
Jokic was picked by the Nuggets in the 2nd round of the NBA draft, falling to the 41st pick. If he is able to emulate the great Nowitzki and bring a championship to Denver, he will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest centers to play in the NBA. The Serbian will feature next when his Nuggets team take on the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
