Stan Van Gundy Puts End to Nikola Jokic’s ‘Bad Defender’ Criticism: “Same Level as Shai”

Stan Van Gundy thinks Nikola Jokic is actually a solid defender.

Stan Van Gundy Puts End to Nikola Jokic’s ‘Bad Defender’ Criticism: “Same Level as Shai”

Stan Van Gundy on Nikola Jokic (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Stan Van Gundy defends Nikola Jokic's defense, comparing it to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's.
  • Jokic is averaging a triple double this season, with 27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.9 assists.
  • He must play in the final game to meet the NBA's 65-game eligibility rule for MVP consideration.

Nikola Jokic is a special and unique talent. While he does not have the athleticism and speed as some of his peers do, it does not stop him from dominating his opponents every single night. Even with three MVPs to his name, he still manages to improve as a player.

Former NBA coach and TV commentator Stan Van Gundy compared Jokic’s defense to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s.

I think Jokic’s defense is underrated. I think that knock should’ve gone out 5 years ago. He’s not Wemby or Rudy Gobert, but he’s a solid defender…. I would put him the same level defender as I would put Shai on. I think Shai is good off the ball but never has to guard a high level scorer. Not because he can’t but they got Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams. I’d put them on the same level.

Stan Van Gundy on Zach Lowe Show

There is no doubt that Nikola Jokic is a generational talent. Widely regarded as the best player in the NBA due to his offensive prowess, Jokic has never been considered to be a great defender. It is the one aspect in the game he has not excelled at. However, his ability and skillset still make him must-watch TV.

He may not have the defensive presence in the paint like a Victor Wembanyama or a Rudy Gobert, but according to Stan Van Gundy, he is still a solid and underrated defender. Van Gundy made it clear he isn’t going as far as to call Jokic an All-Defensive level player, but he does not consider the 31-year-old to be a bad defender, as some of his critics claim him to be.

Can Nikola Jokic win his fourth MVP award?

It is hard to believe that a player can get better after winning three MVPs and a Finals MVP, but Nikola Jokic has somehow managed to do it. The Denver Nuggets center is averaging a triple-double this season. He is averaging 27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.9 assists in 64 appearances.

Nikola Jokic is still the best overall player in the NBA
Nikola Jokic (Image via Triple 333/X)

Stan Van Gundy revealed that his MVP vote is for Jokic as the Serbian star has once again reminded the league of his unmatched dominance.

Jokic is currently third in the latest MVP Ladder, behind Wembanyama and SGA. While the latter two are considered to be heavy favorites to win the MVP award, Jokic does have a strong case for a fourth MVP award as well. It did look like Jokic was out of the MVP race last month when the Nuggets were beaten by the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the Nuggets star has responded incredibly well since.

Nikola Jokic faces 65-game rule pressure ahead of season finale

It appears that Nikola Jokic may have to take the court for the final game of the regular season. With 64 appearances this campaign, the Serb is one game short of the NBA’s 65-game rule to be eligible for the season-ending honors. Multiple players have been punished by this rule, Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham being two examples

With just one game to go, most playoff-contending teams will be resting their star players. But that may not be the case for Jokic. Nuggets head coach David Adelman addressed Jokic’s availability for their regular season finale.

We’re all aware of that, the rule. The minute thing on Sunday will be talked about with the front office, ownership, Nikola. Obviously his opinion matters in that situation.

David Adelman in his press conference

In the final game of the regular season, the Nuggets will be taking on the San Antonio Spurs. Coincidentally, even Wembanyama has played 64 games so far this season. Hence, it is very likely that the fans will get to see both Jokic and Wemby take to the court at the Frost Bank Center on Sunday night.

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