“That’s ridiculous” – After Erik Spoelstra, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar SLAMS ESPN reporter on Nikola Jokic’s NBA Finals theory
Nikola Jokic receives praise from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for his unique style of play
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Kareem Abdul- Jabbar (image via Shahar Azran/WireImage) and Nikola Jokic (image via Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
In a recent interview, basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shared his admiration for Denver Nuggets’ center Nikola Jokic and his unique style of play. Abdul-Jabbar highlighted Jokic’s ability to distribute the ball effectively, even when he faces limited scoring opportunities.
“It’s nice the way he moves the ball around when he doesn’t have good opportunities,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “He finds the open man and hits him. I think it’s great set up the way they have the team because they got guys on the outside that could really hit it.”
Abdul-Jabbar’s sentiments echoed with Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, who dismissed the suggestion that intentionally allowing Jokic to score 50 points would be a viable strategy.
Spoelstra even went as far as calling it a strategy crafted by someone who doesn’t understand basketball. Abdul-Jabbar agreed with Spoelstra, labeling the idea as “ridiculous.”
Related: Why does Nikola Jokic wear jersey No. 15?
Nikola Jokic joins the elite ranks of big men
Nikola Jokic’s remarkable performance in the NBA Finals has prompted analysts to place him among the greatest big men in basketball history. The Serbian center’s name is now mentioned alongside legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hakeem Olajuwon, solidifying his place in the list of basketball greats.
In today’s game, a useful big man needs to possess a decent shooting stroke from beyond the arc. Jokic’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting prowess exemplifies this modern trend. Yet, his exceptional court vision and playmaking instincts elevate him to a league of his own. Jokic’s playmaking abilities redefine the role of a big man, highlighting the importance of versatility and basketball IQ.
As the game of basketball continues to evolve, Nikola Jokic’s contributions have set a new standard for big men. His success underscores the changing nature of the position, emphasizing the importance of skill and court vision. Jokic’s place among the greatest big men of all time is proof to his unique style of play and his ability to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the game.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)