All through the years, Michael Malone has been excessive on Nikola Jokic’s traits, angle and demeanor, typically evaluating it to the good Tim Duncan.
And on Wednesday, he once more made certain to repeat it because the Serbian celebrity is ready to energy the Denver Nuggets within the NBA Finals.
“He’s not making an attempt to be one thing he’s not. He’s not making an attempt to create a story apart from ‘I’m Nikola Jokic, I play for the Denver Nuggets, I’m gonna do the whole lot I can to assist my crew win and I’m gonna do it with class, professionalism and I’m by no means gonna make it about me. That’s the rarity,” Malone mentioned of Jokic.
“I typically make the comparability, I by no means coached Tim Duncan, however simply from teaching in opposition to him and listening to tales about these which were round him, Tim Duncan was a selfless celebrity. I take a look at Nikola Jokic in the identical vein. I believe Nikola Jokic is actually selfless celebrity, the place it’s not about him. He’s not in search of folks to ‘Have a look at me, inform me how nice I’m’. He’s virtually embarrassed by the eye. He’s simply needs to be one of many guys within the locker room, have enjoyable, work exhausting and win.”
Duncan, well-known for his quiet method and regular management, served as the center of San Antonio Spurs’ dynasty that spanned for almost 20 years. With coach Gregg Popovich, he has been concerned in San Antonio’s reign which resulted in 5 league championships.
Requested if he’s actually modelling his recreation to the all-time nice, Jokic didn’t hesitate to confess it and additional praised Duncan’s easy, but efficient ways.
“Mannequin my recreation in all probability, sure, sure,” Jokic when requested if he patterns his recreation to the Spurs nice. “He’s probably the greatest energy ahead gamers to play the sport. He did it with such ease.
“I bear in mind when he performed in opposition to me, he was slightly bit older, however he nonetheless gave me the simplest 20 factors ever in life in all probability. He at all times had a counter, however he was so affected person. I believe he’s an ideal participant to look as much as, to mannequin your recreation to him.”
Jokic and the Nuggets will look to attract the primary blood of the championship spherical in opposition to the Miami Warmth on Thursday.
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