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Former NBA Star Throws Major Shade Toward Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Ashish Mathur | Last updated 5/26/23

Former NBA star point guard Gilbert Arenas threw major shade toward Denver Nuggets superstar big man Nikola Jokic.

Arenas, who played for the Golden State Warriors, Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic, and Memphis Grizzlies during his career, said no one will care if Jokic and the Nuggets win the championship this season since the Joker doesn’t have the “it” factor.

“You know, Jokic can win this championship, no one’s gonna care,” Arenas said on JJ Redick’s podcast. “Let’s just be honest. I’m sorry. He’s not gonna go from where he is right now to this super megastar because he’s not doing anything kids wanna see. It’s the players, their personality. You know Jokic is great, but he doesn’t have ‘it.'”

Gilbert Arenas: "Jokic is great but he doesn't have 'IT'."

JJ Redick: "I think we're at sort of an inflection point about (how) to sell the NBA forward."

(via @OldManAndThree)pic.twitter.com/F1un7vGvFO
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 24, 2023

The Nuggets are in the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. They beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference playoffs.

Jokic averaged 29.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 10.3 assists versus the Timberwolves, Suns, and Lakers while shooting 53.8% from the field, 47.4% from beyond the arc, and 78.4% from the free-throw line. The two-time MVP is one of four MVPs in NBA history to never win a title (Steve Nash, Derrick Rose, and Joel Embiid are the other three), but the Nuggets have a great shot at winning it all this year.

Denver will face the winner of the Boston Celtics-Miami Heat series. Jokic and Co. likely don’t care about Arenas’ comments since the Nuggets have been flying under the radar for the past few seasons.

If the Nuggets win the championship this season, Jokic will have to be considered one of the best centers in NBA history. Along with being a two-time MVP, Jokic is a five-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA player. The big man is sixth all-time in triple-doubles and second in player efficiency rating.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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