'I think 'The Joker' has revolutionized our position' - Alonzo Mourning praises Nikola Jokic for changing the definition of the five-man

As the sport continues to evolve, so have the skill sets of the modern-day big men. Whereas centers like Alonzo Mourning and Shaquille O’Neal planted themselves in the paint, asked for rock, and pounded the ball inside until they got as close to the basket as possible, bigs today regularly bring the ball up to orchestrate the offense.

While Zo, a Hall of Famer, still likes big men to play with their back to the basket, he couldn’t help but express his admiration for Nikola Jokic, and how he changed the game for big men worldwide. During a recent interview on “The Big Podcast,” the two-time Defensive Player of the Year winner praised the Serbian for revolutionizing the role of the five-man on the court.

The complete package

Jokic, a native of Sombor, Serbia, went from being the 41st overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft to becoming one of the greatest big men in league history. In just nine seasons, the 6’11” center has become a three-time MVP, a six-time All-Star, a six-time All-NBA Team member, and an NBA champion, thanks to his superb all-around game.

While Jokic’s nickname is “The Joker,” make no mistake about his skill set: it is assorted and dominant. He possesses an exceptional passing ability that has been compared to that of legends like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.

His court vision and basketball IQ are off the charts, making him a dangerous playmaker from anywhere on the floor, as evidenced by his 11.3 assists per game this season. In addition, Jokic is also one of the most efficient scorers in the league; his soft touch in the paint and deadly jump shot allows him to make mincemeat out of any defensive coverage.

“I think the Joker has kind of revolutionized our position. He really has. You know, because he has incredible touch—the hooks that we had inside, you know, little turnarounds and every up-and-under. You know, he’s got the footwork and everything—the same stuff we used to do,” Zo said on Shaquille O’Neal’s podcast.

Zo asserts that big men need to play big

As much as he admires Jokic’s game and respects how the current crop of centers and power forwards have adapted to today’s perimeter-oriented game, Zo asserted that he still would like to see these big men impose their physicality in the paint.

“I don’t like to see bigs with a heavy volume of threes,” the former Georgetown star shared. “First of all, you’re not using your size to your advantage to help your team. There’s a reason why you’re called a big man. Use it to your team’s advantage. You’re closer to the rim when you stand in the paint, so use it to your advantage.”

Alonzo implied that Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs 7’3” wunderkid, is a unicorn in the Association. However, Zo said that although Wemby is quite comfortable playing from the outside in, he shuddered to think how the league would handle the Frenchman if he decided to take his game under the basket.

“Wemby, I look at him, I see his skill level out on the perimeter, and I’m like, ‘Jesus, if I’m not that long and tall, I want to be as close to the basket as I can,’” the 2006 NBA champion remarked. “I see his skill level outside, and it’s working to his advantage. But imagine if he put a little bit more emphasis in the painted area.”

The 6’10” retired center is a throwback to when big men were expected to dominate the paint. In his prime, he was known for his ferocious defense and intimidating presence in the post. However, with the game evolving towards a more perimeter-oriented and fast-paced style compared to the plodding pace of yesteryears, Zo acknowledged that players like him and Shaq are becoming increasingly rare, and that's completely normal.