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Even the most gifted athletes on the planet can sometimes be subject to criticism regarding their physical stature, just ask Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic.
Despite clearly establishing himself as one of the best centers in the NBA and practically carrying the Nuggets to the Western Conference semifinals, Jokic has endured some scrutiny about his playing weight — around 275 pounds — and conditioning in the playoffs.
But if you ask Jokic, he feels that the added weight is far more comfortable for him than when he was 15 pounds lighter.
The Serbian superstar recently opened up his body, claiming that he is now able to bang in the post with the other strong and athletic bigs in the league:
“To be honest, I like to be a little bit heavier like how I am right now,” Jokic told Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. “I was lighter than this, say 15 pounds. But I didn't feel right. Because the guys are pushing me, I was not that heavy, I was light. I just needed a little bit more weight to keep up with those guys.”
Nikola Jokic was absolutely dominant in Denver's Game 1 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, scoring 37 points on 60 percent shooting while adding nine rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks. However, “The Joker” struggled with foul trouble and was less efficient in Game 2 despite still grabbing 14 boards and dishing out seven dimes.
With the Nuggets struggling to find the cylinder, they will likely rely on Jokic more as a scorer once again in Game 3.
