Nikola Jokic is widely considered one of the best big men in basketball today, with many people thinking he might even be the best player in the world.
Toni Kukoc, a Hall of Famer and three-time NBA champion, doesn’t agree that Jokic is at the top. He believes that Jokic hasn’t surpassed two other great players from the Balkans: Vlade Divac from Serbia and Dino Radja from Croatia. Kukoc, who is 49 years old and a coach, shared these thoughts.
Toni Kukoc does not see Nikola Jokic on per with Vlade Divac, Dino Radja
Nikola Jokic’s skills are impressive, but according to former player Toni Kukoc, he’s not entirely on the same level as Vlade Divac and Dino Radja in the center position. Kukoc praised Divac for his ball-handling ability and Radja for his agility under the basket, highlighting their unique talents from decades ago.
Kukoc, who played a vital role in the Chicago Bulls’ championship runs, acknowledged Jokic’s improvement and potential for further growth. Divac and Radja, both Hall of Famers, left their mark on the NBA in the 90s with their exceptional skills. Radja, once Kukoc’s teammate, had a successful stint with the Boston Celtics before returning to Europe, while Divac enjoyed a long NBA career with multiple teams.
Despite not being the fastest or most athletic, Jokic impresses with his ability to control the game and find his rhythm. Kukoc admires Nikola Jokic’s unique style of play, where he scores, assists, and controls the game at his own pace. While Jokic may not be at Divac and Radja’s level yet, his growth and style of play earned him praise from basketball veterans like Kukoc.
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Jokic’s numbers this season
Denver Nuggets standout center Nikola Jokic is having a remarkable season in 2023-24, showcasing his dominance on the court. His stats speak about his impact, averaging 26.1 points per game and boasting an impressive 58.1% field goal percentage, highlighting his scoring efficiency.
However, Jokic’s influence extends beyond scoring. He excels in rebounding, averaging 12.2 rebounds per game, providing the Nuggets with crucial possessions to their offensive strategies.
Moreover, Jokic’s athleticism is evident in various aspects of the game. With an average of 9.0 assists per game, he plays a significant role in facilitating the Nuggets, showcasing his vision and basketball IQ through precise passes that create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Jokic’s recent performances continue to impress against the Phoenix Suns on March 28, 2024. He contributed 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists, and his all-around impact made him essential to the team’s success.
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