3 ways in which Nikola Jokic has changed the center position for the future generation of NBA players

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets walks off the court after having a word with Cameron Payne #15 of the Phoenix Suns after Jokic was ejected from the game in Game Four of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Ball Arena on June 13, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets walks off the court after having a word with Cameron Payne #15 of the Phoenix Suns after Jokic was ejected from the game in Game Four of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Ball Arena on June 13, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.

Good shooting accuracy

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks for a shot against the Phoenix Suns in Game Three of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Ball Arena on June 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks for a shot against the Phoenix Suns in Game Three of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Ball Arena on June 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.

Nothing much was expected from the Denver Nuggets' 41st overall pick of the 2014 NBA draft; little did they know they had hit a gold mine. The 20-year-old rookie could score, as he registered 10.0 points with a field goal accuracy of 51.2% in his debut season in the NBA.

Since his second season (2016-17) to date, the Joker has been on a steady growth trajectory. He has led the Nuggets in points every season for the past five seasons. In the 2020-21 NBA season, he led the team in field goals and recorded a field goal accuracy of 56.6%.

No team wants Jokic on their end of the court unmarked, but then again in a game against the Chicago Bulls last season, Jokic had three players on him when he put up 39 points to help the Nuggets make a comeback. He is unstoppable and can shoot over anyone in the league.

He finished the 2020-21 NBA season ranked as the 3rd best leader in scoring, behind Damian Lillard and Steph Curry.


A hardcore team player

Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic #15 looks to pass under pressure from Utah Jazz's Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell during the first half of an NBA basketball first round playoff game at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 21, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic #15 looks to pass under pressure from Utah Jazz's Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell during the first half of an NBA basketball first round playoff game at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 21, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Jokic is known to be a very good team player, always looking to elevate his team with that next play. His gameplay has always been hinged on getting his teammates involved even though he can take over the game at will if he wants to, thereby making his teammates look good.

On multiple occasions, he has always been found to always deflect when the spotlight is shone on him to highlight his multiple achievements, to it being the team's effort.

The 3-time All-Star player is the second center in NBA history since Wilt Chamberlain to record a 50-career triple-double and the ninth player in all positions, whilst being the 3rd fastest player to attain the feat. But all of these don't mean much to him as he believes strongly that he is nothing without the team.

He is constantly improving his game and we have not seen the best of him yet.

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