Nikola Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns are two of the premiere big men in the league at the moment. They both stand out as the two of the most dominant offensive forces in the league, even matching up in a thrilling Western Conference Semi-Finals matchup last season. However, while their rivalry may be blooming in the NBA, it dates far back, with the two matching up nearly a decade ago.
In a video from 2014, both the star big men can be seen squaring off at the Nike Hoop Summit. Much in contrast to what we are used to seeing, the two teenage big men lack much of the musculature they now possess, although both still stand out for their size amongst some of the top prospects at the Summit.
While Nikola Jokic has never been known to be a major defensive presence at the rim, both the big men met in a clash of the Titans as Karl-Anthony Towns drove hard to the ring for a monster jam on Jokic.
Video from 6 years ago titled “Karl Towns POSTERS DEFENDER at 2014 Nike Hoop Summit”
Look who the defender turned out to be.. pic.twitter.com/ZWeESZclLU
— Apex Jones (@ApexJones22) January 21, 2025
The surprising aspect of the video is easily the stature of both the players at the time. Although both players matched up at the Nike Hoop Summit, they were certainly not the same caliber of prospect at the time. Jokic would go on to become the 41st pick in the 2nd round of the NBA Draft that same year in 2014. Towns, on the other hand, was the consensus 1st overall pick in the following 2015 NBA Draft.
It’s definitely interesting to see their career trajectories since then, as Nikola Jokic has gone on to become perhaps the greatest second-round pick of all time, securing three MVPs in the NBA already. Towns, on the other hand, has been far from a disappointment, having been selected to 4 All-Star games and 2-All NBA teams. Both the stars are amongst the leaders on the NBA MVP Ladder.
Fans in disbelief after video surfaces of Nikola Jokic getting dunked on by Karl-Anthony Towns
Seeing Nikola Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns go head to head nearly a decade ago is truly a sight to behold for any NBA fan. Seeing Jokic getting absolutely jammed on by Towns is perhaps even more jarring to witness, given their current trajectories. Fans took to social media to express their disbelief over watching Jokic getting dunked on.
This must have been a changing moment for Joker…
Ge decided to take revenge on the league
— Wutangflan (@Wutanflan) January 21, 2025
Just a forgotten 2nd round pick
— Jayinem (@jayinem2020) January 21, 2025
And now look at the MVP´s
— Toy (OCP) (@ixta_md) January 21, 2025
This is the last time he contested at the rim btw
— Vonzetti (@Vonzetti) January 21, 2025
Kat lowkey plays like jokic too which is crazy
— leinad (@Daniel24379589) January 21, 2025
Nothing’s changed pic.twitter.com/4EYus61bHl
— 𝐖𝐎𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐑𝐋𝐃 (@WolvesXWrld) January 21, 2025
Both Jokic and Towns have matched up many times throughout their career. Jokic had the upper hand in 2023 when the Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. Last season, however, Towns took the edge when the Timberwolves beat the Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs.
For their career, Nikola Jokic holds the edge with a 20-16 record over Karl-Anthony Towns. Thankfully, fans will have a chance to see them match up soon, as the Nuggets take on the Knicks at the Madison Square Garden on the 29th of January. Get your popcorn ready because both these big men bring the fire every time they match up.
Stay Updated!
Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.
