Nikola Jokic has easily been the most dominant player of the 2020s. The Denver Nuggets superstar has won three of the last four MVP awards, along the 2023 NBA Championship and Finals MVP. At 29 years of age, Jokic is still well within his prime, and looking at his performances so far this season, it will not be a surprise if he continues to stack up more accolades. However, ESPN insider Stephen A. Smith believes that there is still a major flaw in the Serbian big man’s game.
Stephen A. Smith recently made an appearance on the Full Send Podcast. On the show, he was asked about the potential for Nikola Jokic to start entering some serious conversations about his ‘GOAT’ candidacy. Smith, however, believes that a lack of athleticism may be a limiting factor for Jokic.
You look at other guys, and when you think about the NBA, you think athleticism. And Jokic is an athlete, please don’t get me wrong… Look at how we used to (marvel) with Vince Carter and Kobe and Jordan and how we still do with LeBron and stuff like that. It’s because they had a level of athleticism that you just marveled at. That’s not Jokic.
Stephen A. Smith said on the podcast
ts: 23:59
Smith did have high praise for Nikola Jokic and his IQ on the basketball court. However, he feels that Jokic’s lack of athletic burst will keep him from being among the most ‘revered’ athletes of all time.
He’s (Jokic) a phenomenal basketball player, but primarily due to his IQ. Because he really, really, really knows how to play.
Stephen A. Smith added
Stephen A. Smith has been critical of Nikola Jokic in the past as well, choosing OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous Alexander as his pick for MVP over Jokic last season.
When will Nikola Jokic return for the Nuggets?
Nikola Jokic has missed the last three games for the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets dropped the first two games before clinching an NBA Cup win on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. So far, not much has been revealed about Jokic’s absence from the team. He has been listed out for ‘personal reasons’, with some reports suggesting that Jokic’s family may be welcoming a new member.
On Tuesday, Nuggets HC Michael Malone commented on his superstar’s absence from the team. He revealed that Jokic’s status to return to the team remains tentative.
No idea about Friday (vs. Mavericks). There’s no news out of Denver, so we’ll revisit that when we get home. Kind of see where everything’s going with his family.
Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic’s return
Michael Malone on Nikola Jokic timeline as Nuggets return to Denver after tonight’s NBA Cup game in Memphis: “No idea about Friday (vs. Mavericks). There’s no news out of Denver, so we’ll revisit that when we get home. Kind of see where everything’s going with his family.”
— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) November 20, 2024
The Nuggets will be heading home after a long road trip this week. They are slated to take on the Dallas Mavericks for Friday’s NBA Cup game. While Nikola Jokic’s status for the game remains questionable, Nuggets fans will be hoping that their franchise star can make his comeback as soon as possible.
