Denver Nuggets All-Star big man Nikola Jokic is a gift that just keeps on giving — literally. Recently, the 24-year-old tried a spectacular dunk attempt during practice, which quickly and inadvertently turned into an assist. To say that Jokic possesses a pass-first mentality would be an understatement based on this brief clip, and his true colors were indeed on full display during this play.
Dominique Wilkins he’s not. pic.twitter.com/cFd392kPZg
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) October 14, 2019
Jokic proudly exhibited his almost non-existent vertical, as he barely lifted himself six inches off the ground. His dunk attempt was not even close, and he even struggled to throw the ball to the backboard before landing. Truly, gravity's pull on Jokic is much stronger than most NBA stars, and perhaps it has a lot to do with his non-NBA player type of physique.
Nevertheless, despite his unorthodox built, Jokic has established himself as one of the top big men in the league today. Last season, the Serbian national averaged career-high numbers across the board with 20.1 points (on 51.1 percent shooting), 10.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks, while also knocking down 1.0 three-pointers per ballgame.
Not only did this earn him his first All-Star nod, but his outstanding play throughout the year was good enough to garner some MVP buzz.
More of the same is expected of Jokic in the 2019-20 campaign, and judging by his recent preseason performance, it does appear like he hasn't missed a beat.
The former 41st overall pick was highly efficient in his 22 minutes of action on Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers, logging 10 points (on 5-of-7 from the floor), 11 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block, en route to a 111-91 blowout victory against a highly-touted Clippers side.
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