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Kristaps Porzingis hails young NBA star who is like ‘a baby Jokic’ after EuroBasket encounter

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 10:47 AM ET

Kristaps Porzingis believes one young NBA star is very similar to and the natural successor to Nikola Jokic.

With the EuroBasket tournament tipping off yesterday, fans were treated to some competitive basketball, as the doldrums of the offseason look to be nearing an end.

We’ve seen some brilliant showdowns in the run-up to the tournament. In fact, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic even played against each other in a warm-up game.

Day 1 of the EuroBasket tournament didn’t disappoint, as several NBA stars put on a show and reminded the world why they are in the best basketball league in the world.

Before the tournament, Kristaps Porzingis anticipated a showdown with Nikola Jokic. But it was a faceoff with another sensational European center in the NBA that had Porzingis in awe.

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Kristaps Porzingis hails Alperen Sengun as ‘one of the best’

Kristaps Porzingis spoke after Latvia’s 93-73 loss to Turkiye. He praised Houston Rockets star Alperen Sengun for his performance.

In particular, he highlighted Sengun’s body control and court vision, likening him to Nikola Jokic, who also relies on these strengths.

“I mean, he’s good, he’s talented. It’s like, how he spins around off the body and this, like he’s really good at this, you know?

“One of the best, he’s like a Baby Jokic. And his passing ability and how he makes his teammates better, credit to him for sure.”

Kristaps Porzingis praised Alperen Sengun, following Turkiye's 88-65 win over Latvia #EuroBasket

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Porzingis and Latvia set for Serbia showdown this weekend

After dealing with Sengun, whom he referred to as ‘baby Jokic’, he will get a chance to face off against the real Nikola Jokic this weekend.

Latvia find themselves in the same group as Serbia in the EuroBasket tournament. It will be a big challenge, given that Serbia are considered the favorite to win the tournament.

Jokic has been praised by his Serbian teammates for his play, with many considering him the natural leader of their team.

Porzingis admitted Jokic and Serbia would pose a tough challenge, but he will have to do everything in his power to try and neutralize the 3-time MVP on Saturday.

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

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