Case File No.10: Nikola Jokic

 

Nikola Jokic (15). Photo Credit: skysports.com.

Today, I look into the case file of Nikola Jokic (AKA "The Joker"). Reigning NBA champion and Finals MVP, as well as a 2x league MVP, the future Hall-of-Gamer is very well capable of adding more to his list of accomplishments. Before I continue, visit rdxsports.com and become a part of Team RDX. Get the latest on martial arts and fitness gear at a 10% discount.

 

Team: Denver Nuggets

Position: Center

HT: 6-11 WT: 284

Nationality: Serbian

Credentials:

NBA Champion (2023)

NBA Finals MVP (2023)

NBA Western Conference Finals MVP (2023)

2x NBA MVP

5x NBA All-Star

5x All-NBA Team

NBA All-Rookie First team (2016)

Strengths:

-Has an inside and outside game

-An excellent passer with great timing and court vision

-Post game isn't pretty, but it's effective

-Can create his own shot, shoot spotting up, off the dribble, and is adept at making off-balanced shots

-Excellent ball handler

-Not an intimidating shot blocker, but gives effort to protect the rim

Weaknesses:

-Not the fastest or the most athletic

-Can be exploited if you make him work defensively

Final Analysis:

Reigning NBA champion and Finals MVP, Nikola has established himself as not only one of the top players at his position, but in the NBA. In a sense, he has reinvented the position. Most wings (shooting guards/small forwards) with good or exceptional ball handling and passing are sometimes referred to as "point forwards," Jokic, due to his position, ball handling and passing skills would be referred to as a "point center". I say he reinvented the position in a way because while he's not the first big man to possess these skills, he is unique in that he constantly post triple doubles, which is almost unheard of for a big man. He nearly averaged a triple double for the season (24.5 PPG, 11.8 REB, 9.8 AST).

His low post game isn't pretty, but it's effective, as he will use a variety of moves or muscle his way to get a high percentage shot. He can kill opponents from the outside, whether from mid-range or beyond the perimeter, and he has a penchant for making off-balanced shots, making it nearly impossible to defend him.

The only downside I see is, although he gets up and down the court at an adequate pace, he's not the fastest or the most athletic. Defensively, he will give effort in terms of protecting the rim, but I think he can be exploited on that side of the court. As great as he is, he's not known for his defense or being a great defender.

At age 28, the scary part is, he's capable of adding more to his accomplishments than listed above. With his inside game, outside range, passing ability and basketball IQ, Nikola is the ultimate weapon.