During the Denver Nuggets’ NBA Finals media day, superstar center Nikola Jokic was asked a question about San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone has compared Jokic to Duncan several times this postseason.
“Model my game probably, yes, yes,” Jokic said. “Probably he’s one of the best power forward players that play the game. He did with such a ease, it’s really, really — I remember when he play against me, he was little bit older, but he still gave me the easiest 20 points ever in life probably. He always had a counter, but he was so patient. I think he’s a great player to look up to, to model your game to him.”
Duncan is one of the greatest players in NBA history. The five-time champion, who spent his entire career with the Spurs, averaged 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.2 blocks during his stellar career. Duncan is a 15-time All-Star, two-time MVP and three-time Finals MVP.
Jokic will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer one way like Duncan. The Nuggets big man has career averages of 20.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists. The Joker is a two-time MVP and five-time All-Star.
“I think the way how we play, everybody can step up, everybody can be a best player in one game or whatever, week, whatever,” Jokic said. “I don’t know. I don’t know, can I say myself as the best. The ball is in my hands a lot, so I make a lot of decisions. But I don’t know if can be the best player.”
Jokic is four wins away from winning his first NBA championship. The Nuggets have been off since May 22, but Jokic believes he and his teammates were professional during the break.
“I think we took a good, professional approach to those eight days, nine days, 10 days, whatever it was,” Jokic said. “Just because it’s actually long break, you know, I think we did a good job. We stay in the shape getting ready, staying sharp, but still get enough rest.”
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