Nikola Jokic easily comes to mind as one of the most consistent performers in the NBA. The Denver Nuggets big man, arguably the world’s best player at the moment, is also a three-time MVP award winner. With Jokic currently at the Paris Olympics with Serbia as they hunt for an Olympic medal, former basketball veteran Dirk Nowitzki has shared his thoughts on the Serbian player’s iconic fadeaway.
Nowitzki, who last played for the Dallas Mavericks before his retirement in 2019, is regarded as one of the best fadeaway specialists. While speaking in a recent interview with BasketNews where he was asked to comment, Dirk Nowitzki expressed admiration for that fadeaway shot by Nikola Jokic, calling it ‘tough’. He also admitted that he could never attempt it that way.
It was tough, and you know what he does? He does it over the right side and does it with the right leg. He jumps off the right leg, which I could never do.
Dirk Nowitzki said
He further said that, unlike Jokic, he feels more comfortable doing a fadeaway by jumping off his left leg and over his right shoulder. According to the ex-NBA player, that is much easier than what the Serbian did. Nowitzki had nothing but praises for Jokic’s gameplay and skills on the court.
Nikola Jokic makes history with Serbia at Paris Olympics
After Serbia made it to the semifinals of the men’s basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics, Jokic stepped up at various stages over the course of the competition to lead the team. This was evident in Serbia’s win over Puerto Rico recently, where the Nuggets star made Olympics history.
In that game, Jokic became the first basketball player in the Olympic Games to record at least 10 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists in a single game. He finished with a total of 14 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists.
That victory was important for Team Serbia, helping create some much-needed morale among players after they earlier lost to the USA in their first Group C game. Nonetheless, Serbia will look to rely once again on their talisman, Nikola Jokic, as they meet Team Germany in the Bronze Medal match this time, after going down fighting to the USA.
