Nikola Jokic didn’t have the easiest journey in the NBA, but he knew how to find his way in the association, becoming one of the most honored players in the last five years.
He was well aware of his “limitations” compared to other players and in 2014, he explained why he wasn’t a fan of college basketball. Jokic mentioned the differences between his game and other players, perfectly explaining what he does and doesn’t do on the court.
“Everybody jumps so high, I don’t jump. I just play basketball like 1 on 1, 2 on 2, something like that. I don’t jump high. I don’t run too fast. … I think basketball, it’s about teammates. When I’m open, I score. I pass. I play basketball. Just play simple.”
https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1616009431195521024
The big man’s journey to the league was more similar to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s than Joel Embiid’s, as he never played in college basketball and instead made a career in his native Serbia. Jokic played in the Adriatic and Serbia League, even winning Adriatic League MVP honors in 2015.
He posted 15.4 points, a league-leading 9.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game during that MVP season. In the Serbian League, he averaged 18.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in 14 matches during his final season playing in his country.
Jokic was selected with the No. 41 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, starring in an infamous moment as the NBA went to a commercial break while his selection was announced. In his first season with the Nuggets, he averaged 10.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. At the time, nobody believed he would be this good, but these would be the numbers of a future Hall of Famer.
Nine years after being selected into the league, that kid who used to struggle to have people go play basketball with him is a two-time NBA MVP, one-time Western Conference Finals, and is three games away from becoming an NBA champion.
Nikola Jokic Dominated Game 1 Of The 2023 NBA Finals
Jokic picked up things right where he left them against the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The big man once again recorded a triple-double, dropping 27 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and 14 assists.
The Denver Nuggets are now three wins away from the NBA championship, and if Jokic keeps this level, he will be the unanimous Finals MVP. His journey has been incredible, and he’s just starting his dominance.
Denver found a gem in Jokic, a unicorn in the eyes of many, and they’re set to accompany him as far as they can for as long as possible.
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