Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic was out for a few games as his wife gave birth to their baby boy. The moment he came back, he went back to his high-scoring and playmaking phase, as if he did not miss any time on the court.
Those dominating performances were at its peak when he helped defeat the Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, the Lakers slowed the three-time league MVP in the first half. But coming out of the second, he took over and orchestrated his half-court game to perfection.
That dominating performance sparked debates all across the basketball world. Many wondered if the Serbian is unstoppable and all he needs is his teammates to execute the game plan to perfection.
This discussion took center stage on the Gil’s Arena podcast as well. Former All-Star Gilbert Arenas praised Jokic and said that he was a ‘God’ in the halfcourt.
You cannot play half-court basketball with Jokic. At this moment in time, Jokic in the halfcourt is like Jordan in the finals, you are not going to beat him. Halfcourt, he is God right here.
Gilbert Arenas said
Gilbert Arenas on Jokic and the Nuggets.
“Jokic in the halfcourt is like Jordan in the finals… halfcourt, he is God” pic.twitter.com/mJPuA3eg2q
— n i k o l a e s t h e t i c (@nikolaesthetic) November 25, 2024
The former player clarified that Jokic is unstoppable in half-court sets just like Michael Jordan. His domination in that type of a gameplan is such that the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers could not counter him.
Arenas stated that the Denver Nuggets play early 2000s basketball, with the playmaker having the ball in his hands and the rest of the team keeps moving. Jokic’s passing ability along with his scoring makes his team that dangerous.
Nikola Jokic can be top 3 big men ever
Compared to other elite big men in the past and in the present, Nikola Jokic is unique. He does not go hard to the basket, instead uses his deft touch to score despite taking heavy contact.
Along with his elite awareness, Jokic is elite on both the glass as well as in playmaking. He has already won three regular season MVPs with that style, along with one NBA Finals MVP and one title.
That led Gil’s Arena podcast panelist Brandon Jennings to ask if the Serbian can be the best big man ever to play the game. After a pause, host Gilbert Arenas said that he was in the top three.
Top 3, for sure. He’s top 5 now. If you take away his assists, and just leave points and rebounds, he’s still a top 7, top 8 center. He gets it done. The fact that you add assists and he’s finding open people to the point where you can’t relax on defense.
Gilbert Arenas stated
Gilbert, Kenyon and Brandon Jennings discuss Jokic and whether he can become the greatest big man ever.
“If you take away his assists – he’s still a top 7, top 8 center” pic.twitter.com/B1LBhs2Ph9
— n i k o l a e s t h e t i c (@nikolaesthetic) November 25, 2024
The three-time All-NBA player clarified that Jokic impacts teams in a way other teams never did. For instance, whenever he gets the ball, it forces their opponents to be aware defensively. That is what makes him a cut above the rest.
