Nikola Jokic might not be among the top 100 or even 200 players in the NBA when we talk about just fitness. But when it comes to the brilliance on the court, there are only a few who could match up to the Serbian giant. Most wouldn’t say that his body is ideal for a basketball player. It even left the Nuggets forward, Michael Porter Jr., perplexed about the team’s choice to start Jokic instead of Mason Plumlee a few years back. The 6ft 11’ center from Denver, had an MVP-caliber 2022-23 regular season, averaging over 24.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 9.8 assists. He also led his team to the first seed in the Western Conference.
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During the post-season, Jokic has reached a whole new level. Despite facing skepticism regarding his ability to surpass Kevin Durant and Devin Booker’s Suns, the two-time MVP has led his team to their second Conference Finals in four years. His impressive averages of 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 10 assists across 12 games have played a significant role in the Nuggets’ success.
Considering his performances, you might be a little surprised to hear about the activities of this extraordinary basketball talent during the off-season. During his appearance on The Old Man & the Three podcast with JJ Redick last year, Michael Porter Jr. unveiled the details.
When MPJ described a typical Nikola Jokic off-season
Porter Jr. disclosed that during the off-season, The Joker would gain weight by drinking beers and horse riding, causing him to get out of shape. This led MPJ to wonder why his former teammate, Mason Plumlee, wasn’t starting ahead of Jokic.
As a rookie at the time, Porter Jr. received his answer from his teammates. They told him that Jokic had the ability to score 40 points a night if he desired, but he willingly prioritized passing. It didn’t take long for MPJ to witness this firsthand.
“Everything is just his [Nikola Jokic’s] game, that’s the most impressive thing about his game,” said MPJ when talking about Nikola Jokic’s innate abilities. MPJ also remarked on how weird it is never to witness Jokic display heightened speed or overt reactions, even when it comes to significant moments like hitting buzzer-beaters.
Jokic is one of the NBA’s best big men alongside Joel Embiid
Since Dwight Howard in the late 2000s, the NBA has seen the profound impact of only two players as premier centers: Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic.
Although Embiid secured the MVP this year due to his dominant two-way performance, it is Jokic’s offensive prowess that has proven exceptionally valuable, especially in the playoffs.
Now, the question arises: Can he sustain this brilliance to counter the likes of Anthony Davis and LeBron James when he faces the Lakers next? His previous attempt in the Bubble fell short, but it’s important to note that Jokic has since evolved into a significantly superior player.
