For several years now, praise has been raining on Serbian Nuggets pivot Nikola Jokic. Having spoken on the subject, Shaquille O’Neal does not hesitate to compare it to another illustrious interior, Spurs legend Tim Duncan. Looking more closely, we would be tempted – like Mohamed Henni – to answer “well yeah, logic”.
Because indeed, between the Big Fundamental on one side and the Joker on the other, it is not the common points that are missing.
We are here in the presence of two magnificent franchise players who have vowed loyalty to “small” League teams – San Antonio and Denver, which do not have the attractiveness of Los Angeles or New York – and who bring them to the Western Conference highs. When it comes to a pure leader appreciated by his teammates, Timmy and Niko speak the same language. In the game, even if we are on different styles, it breathes versatility, efficiency and the fundamentals on each side! A treat for purists of the orange ball. So certainly, the native of Sombor (Serbia) does not hesitate to add a touch of spectacle to his game through his unique qualities as a passer, and we are not in the same universe in terms of defensive impact since Duncan still remains one of the all-time references in his half of the field.
Ultimate proof of the similarities between Nikola Jokic and Tim Duncan, the second represents a model for the first to follow. If that’s not symbolic…
“He’s the Tim Duncan of big men.”
Shaq on Nikola Jokic, hilarious quote.
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) December 21, 2022
However, there is one point that the Serbian still lacks compared to the old interior originating from the Virgin Islands: you guessed it, it is the prize list. Certainly, on an individual level, the two players are tied with two MVPs each (even if the Joker is not immune to adding a new Michael Jordan trophy to his collection). But collectively, it’s another story.
Indeed, Jokic, who is in his eighth season, has never reached the NBA Finals while Duncan, at the same stage in his career, was on his way to the third of his five rings. Just to be a little lenient with the Joker, it should be noted that, with a view to winning titles, it is indeed easier to start your career alongside David Robinson than Jusuf Nurkic or Joffrey Lauvergne. But above all, it’s still very practical to have lieutenants whose infirmary is not the second house. While Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray have known and still know big periods of absence, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker formed a real Big Three with Duncan.
At almost 28, the Nuggets pivot is in his prime and still has a well-built team around him. Is it soon time for the Joker to start joining the former Texan strong winger in winning his first Larry O’Brien trophy? The future will answer that question. In any case, Nikola Jokic does what it takes to deserve the comparison offered by Shaq.
It is now up to him to continue on this path to affirm his status as an NBA legend in the future. Something he is, no doubt, perfectly capable of.