The Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki changed the reputation of the big men in the NBA. While other 7-footers mostly worked on the defensive side of the court, the German player impressed the league with his incredible shooting. The forward was considered the best foreign player in the league for the longest time, but now the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic may have taken the crown.
NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley recently appeared on Shannon Sharpe‘s Club Shay Shay. During the episode, while discussing foreign players in the league, Chuck chose Nikola Jokic to be the best over Dirk Nowitzki and Hakeem Olajuwon .
Dirk, up until Joker, he was the greatest foreign player ever . Charles Barkley via Club Shay Shay
Jokic’s praise has gone as far as being the current best player in the league because of his unreal stats in all three categories. To support his claim, Barkley reflected on how the Joker has made it a usual case to score in triple-doubles daily. The star also won the franchise’s first championship last year and will likely repeat the victory per Barkley.
In the debate between Nowitzki and Jokic, the 29-year-old already has two MVPs to his name. While Dirk was mostly known for his shooting, Jokic is a playmaker as he takes care of the ball throughout games. The former champion is one of the best passers and scorers in the league. All things considered, Jokic is certainly a better all-round player than Nowitzki.
Dirk Nowitzki praised Nikola Jokic as one of the best players in the world
Nikola Jokic was the key player during the Nuggets’ championship run. The star stunned the NBA world with effortless scoring abilities during the Western Conference finals. Witnessing his offensive performance, Nowitzki patted the Joker’s back.
To close out the semifinal series, Jokic made a tough one-legged fadeaway that shocked the viewers but not Nowitzki. The Hall of Famer told ESPN that he expected the Joker to make the shot and win the game.
[Jokic's] got a knack for making tough shots, so I was not really surprised that he ended up making that…I'm happy for him. He's amazing, one of the best players in the world. And he's showing that right now on this stage. Dirk Nowitzki via ESPN
Jokic has only started to win trophies, as he is again the top contender to win the MVP this year. The athlete is a one-of-a-kind talent and is changing the game through his achievements. With this path, Jokic might also become the franchise legend and have his own statue, just like Nowitzki.
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