Nikola Jokic was selected with the 41st overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in the 2014 NBA Draft. Being a second-round pick, Jokic was never expected to become the player that he is now.
There is a chance that the Joker will go down as one of the best players of all time. Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone recently revealed that no one believed that Jokic would one day become a two-time NBA MVP, as he was overweight and out of shape when he entered the league.
“That first Summer League in Vegas, 300 pounds, out of shape, ‘Hey, he’s a nice player,'” Malone said. “No one, and if anybody tells you different, they’re full of sh*t. No one could have seen that he’d be a two-time MVP passing Wilt Chamberlain, it seems like, every other night. That speaks to his dedication to his craft, getting in great shape, and understanding for him to fulfill his potential, he had to work harder. And he’s done that.”
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Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic: "That first Summer League in Vegas, 300 pounds, out of shape, hey, he's a nice player. No one, and if anybody tells you different they're full of shit, no one could have seen that he'd be a two-time MVP passing Wilt Chamberlain every other night." pic.twitter.com/xS0k1LoIna
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) May 23, 2023
Jokic’s journey in the NBA has been nothing short of a fairy tale. From being a second-round draft pick to winning back-to-back NBA MVPs, Jokic has come a long way.
Additionally, as Malone pointed out, Jokic has made it his habit to break the great Wilt Chamberlain’s record. When it’s all said and done, the Joker will have his name etched into NBA history as one of the greatest centers to ever play the sport.
Nikola Jokic Led The Denver Nuggets To First NBA Finals Appearance In Franchise History
The Denver Nuggets won the jackpot with Nikola Jokic. Every organization wants its cornerstone player to lead the team to the NBA Finals. Prior to Jokic, the Nuggets never found that superstar.
This season, the 28-year-old created history by leading the team to their first appearance in the NBA Finals. But the job’s not finished yet.
Jokic and co. wouldn’t want to take their foot off the gas pedal before winning the 2023 NBA Championship.
To be honest, the way that Jokic is playing this postseason, it’s no surprise that the Nuggets are the favorites to win it all. So far, he has averaged 29.9 PPG, 13.3 RPG, and 10.3 APG. He is also shooting a remarkable 53.8% from the field and 47.4% from downtown.
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