Nikola Jokic has looked unstoppable thus far in the 2023 Playoffs. In the 8th year of his career, the 2x MVP has found the best version of himself. It is arguably the most dominant post-season by any big man since Hakeem Olajuwon. Neither Rudy Gobert, nor Deandre Ayton, and not even Anthony Davis had any answers for him whatsoever. However, when you think of it, somebody like Kevin Garnett could have proven effective against the Joker.
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One of the greatest defenders of all time, The Big Ticket made it to the All-Defensive teams 12 times in his 21-year career. That is the second most for any NBA player. Furthermore, his 9 All-Defensive First Team selections are still the most in the league, alongside 3 other legends of the game. He also won a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2008 when he also led the Celtics to the championship. His game was undoubtedly impeccable, but the ferocity with which he used to play helped him in putting fear in his opponent’s mind. That’s the reason why he thinks he would be able to defend the Serbian giant.
Kevin Garnett lays out his plan to stop Nikola Jokic
In a sit-down with Matt Barnes on the KG Certified Podcast, the former 15x All-Star laid out his plan to stop the Nuggets MVP in a typical Kevin Garnett style.
“If I’m having to guard Joker right now, bro, the first thing I’m finna do, I’m finna initiate the fight early,” Garnett told Barnes on KG Certified. “Soon as you take it out, and you’re trailing? I’m on the free throw line at that end, waitin on you. And guess what I’m gonna do? Bump you a little bit, we running up together, bump you again. I’m gonna smell your cologne and your hair spray.”
KG was never an outstanding post defender and averaged over 2 blocks just once in his career. However, the versatility he had with that 6ft 11’ frame, was mind-boggling.
He is arguably the best help-defender in the NBA, and it never changed for whichever teams he played for in 21 years. The number of plays in which Garnett used to out-smart opposition’s coaches was incredibly high.
So, his belief that he could have been successful against Jokic, is certainly not an overreach. However, he also has the belief that Giannis is a better player than the Joker.
KG believes Giannis Antetokounmpo is better than Jokic
Earlier this year, Paul Pierce and KG had a discussion about the best player in the NBA before Joel Embiid took over Jokic in the MVP race for the #1 spot.
Surprisingly, Garnett had Giannis over the Nuggets’ big man because of the latter’s lesser impact on the defensive side of the ball game.
Now that he has shown he is the most impactful player in the NBA, Garnett might have to take his words back if and when Jokic leads the Nuggets to win it all.
