Watch: Nikola Jokic makes insane full-court assist in Nuggets win
In an alternate reality, the 280-pound Nikola Jokic is a strapping quarterback similar to Jared Lorenzen or Ben Roethlisberger. The Nuggets star just happens to play basketball in the existing reality.
On Tuesday night, Jokic's quarterback skills were on display when his Nuggets hosted the Spurs.
While inbounding the ball, Jokic threw a perfect full-court pass that effortlessly landed in Justin Holiday's shooting pocket. Holiday proceeded to knock down the easiest corner three-pointer of his career.
Upon watching the play, some Broncos fans on social media joked about the Nuggets center taking over as their starting quarterback for the 2024-25 season, especially after their team struck out in pursuit of free agent Sam Darnold.
The pass also served as a reminder of Jokic's ability to make plays before defenses get set. The fact that Holiday stood in the corner and readied himself for the pass spoke to the level of camaraderie in the Nuggets locker room, and the dishes that Jokic's teammates have come to expect on a nightly basis.
Earlier this year, Nuggets coach Michael Malone explained why Jokic doubles up as an on-court coach and player who makes his staff's job a walk in the park.
"I'm studying and watching everything Nikola does," Malone told reporters on Jan. 13. "For me, I would eat what he eats, I'll drink what he drinks, I'll lift what he lifts. And I would go as hard as he does every day. I wish there was a camera behind the curtain, like in Wizard of Oz, to see that there's no secret to success. It's hard work. And yes, Nikola is talented, but he puts the time in."
As Jokic continues to polish his craft, he has the chance to grow his legacy by leading the Nuggets to back-to-back NBA championships this June. Denver has the second-shortest odds to win the title behind Boston.
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