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Domantas Sabonis is Better Than Nikola Jokic in One Key Area, Head Coach Claims

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Brooks | Last updated Dec 13, 2024 8:58 PM ET

Domantas Sabonis is a star, that is no secret. There's a reason the Sacramento Kings traded Tyrese Haliburton to secure his services -- though the guard's fit alongside De'Aaron Fox had a part to play in the trade.

Sabonis is an All-Star, and the Kings have benefitted from his services for two full seasons and two partial seasons (when he was traded mid-season and the current season).

Since putting on a Kings jersey, Sabonis has averaged 19.5 points per game and 13 rebounds per game. Lost in the fold is his 7.4 assists per game.

In terms of a do-it-all center, Sabonis ranks quite high. Of course, the model player for this archetype is Nikola Jokic, who is quite literally doing it all right now. The three-time MVP is averaging a triple-double.

While Sabonis' numbers aren't quite as flashy as Jokic's are, there is a reason for that. The Nuggets play entirely through Jokic, whereas the Kings don't do the same for the Lithuanian center.

Kings head coach Mike Brown believes Sabonis has an advantage over Jokic in one area, however.

“I’m not saying Domas is better than Jokic or anything like that,” Brown said. “But, to me, that’s why Domas is a better playmaker than Jokic.”

Jokic, as mentioned, is a three-time MVP. Oftentimes, he's discredited for his skill or accolades when it's hard to argue against his resume. That doesn't take away from the fact that Sabonis isn't appreciated for his passing ability, either.

Both centers can do it all and don't receive enough love for their on-court production, though it doesn't help the discourse to break down one of the two to uplift the other.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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