“Nikola Jokic Is Their One Guy!”: LeBron James’ Former Teammate Points Out Fault in NBA’s Rest Rules, Richard Jefferson Predicts Change

Just two days ago, the NBA approved new rest rules that drastically changed the functioning of NBA teams. This new set of rules was brought up by Richard Jefferson in the latest episode of Road Trippin. Discussing the possible outcomes of such a rule, led to many different viewpoints. And, as LeBron James‘ former teammate, Channing Frye, pointed out, there is one major flaw. A flaw that does not bode well for Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

The new policy will have specific repercussions that will particularly affect how teams manage their star players. For starters, a team will not be allowed to rest more than one-star player per game unless they’re both injured. Additionally, star players must be available for nationally televised and in-season tournament games. These are just a few of the rules the league is hoping to put into play.

Channing Frye points out flaws in the NBA’s new rest rules

Recently, Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye had San Antonio Spurs star Zach Collins on Road Trippin. Here they talked about a number of topics, including Victor Wembanyama and Coach Gregg Popovich. However, one of the more interesting discussions surrounded the NBA’s new rest rules.

Collins explained how the ruling came out of left field. In addition to introducing a new dynamic into the league, it also changes the way teams handle their players, especially their superstars. Nevertheless, Collins believes that these new rules will prove beneficial to the league.

But, there is one flaw that Frye noticed. The former teammate of LeBron James pointed out that the NBA has created a list of teams that the rule is applicable to. While many of the big franchises are there, one noticeable absentee is the Denver Nuggets. Why? Well, according to the new rules, the Nuggets are exempt from this because they only have one star player, Nikola Jokic. As such, they will not be able to rest him whatsoever.

“Jokic is their one guy! You have to have two. That’s the thing that makes the difference!”

This new rule is purely based on the number of All-Star and All-NBA players a team has. Seeing as the Joker is the only player the Nuggets have, they will not be able to make use of the rest rules. However, Richard Jefferson feels that the NBA will amend this sooner or later so as to not give other teams an unfair advantage.

The NBA’s newest rule may also prove to be effective for the Denver Nuggets

It’s true that the new rest rules may have a negative impact on the Nuggets. But, there is a positive from it as well. As the NBA only considers Nikola Jokic to be a star player, it allows them to navigate the rest days for their other “star” Jamal Murray quite easily. The Canadian guard has had a few injuries in the past, and this flexibility could prove useful for both him and Denver.

It will be interesting to see how the NBA handles this policy moving forward. As Richard Jefferson stated,  a lot of work has to be done regarding the details of the policy. An amendment will certainly be required, and how it will affect the league is sure to be intriguing.