Reigning two-time MVP Nikola Jokic expresses his desire to have a career like Spurs legend Tim Duncan and admits the need to win championships.
While he hasn’t gotten the respect he deserves yet, there’s no denying that Nikola Jokic is one of the top 5 players in the league right now. After back-to-back MVP seasons, The Joker is any statistician’s delight, given the staggering numbers he’s been averaging.
Though he may not have the ideal NBA body type, Jokic does possess a skill set, ranking in the top 10 triple-doubles of all time. The Serbian native averaged 27.1 PPG, 13.8 RPG and 7.9 APG, shooting an impressive 58.3% from the field in the 2021-22 season.
There’s no denying The Joker’s capabilities, but winning games when it matters most is still a cause for concern. The last two playoffs have seen the Denver Nuggets face back-to-back first-round eliminations. However, there’s no denying the absence of teammates Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. playing a role in this.
Also Read: “Nikola Jokic Is The Modern Tim Duncan”: Former NBA Coach George Karl Oddly Compares Current Nuggets Superstar To San Antonio Legend
At the recent media day, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic discussed having a career similar to Tim Duncan’s with the Spurs.
Nikola Jokic’s aspirations to be the Tim Duncan of the Denver Nuggets.
In what many believe, Tim Duncan is one of the top 10 players of all time, playing his entire 19-season career for the Spurs, bringing the city of San Antonio 5 championships. The great man didn’t just limit himself to painting, he also had an efficient midrange.
Known for his apathetic demeanor on the court, Timmy let his game speak for itself. A three-time Finals MVP, Duncan was the founding pillar of Gregg Popovich’s Spurs dynasty. Therefore, it is not surprising that many of the big men in the league aspire to imitate his career, one of them being The Joker.
“I want to be the Tim Duncan of the Denver Nuggets.” I asked #NikolaJokic about signing his record contract extension (🤑) and being in Denver for a long, long time. A good media day 📹 from him too @Nuggets @9NEWSSports #9 sports #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/Bb4Y8dTENm
—Jacob Tobey (@JacobRTobey) September 26, 2022
However, The Joker is aware that he needs to win some championships to be like The Fundamental. While they may not have the same skill set, both Jokic and Duncan have similar personality traits, including leading a simple life away from glitz and glamor and letting their game speak for itself.
Also Read: “Nikola Jokic Is Humble Like Tim Duncan”: Nuggets Superstar And MVP Candidate Receives High Praise From Mike Malone Ahead Of Showdown Against Giannis And Co.
