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“If Tom Brady Was Reliant on Legs”: Shannon Sharpe Predicts Long Career for Nikola Jokic For 1 Reason

Published 03/04/2024, 1:33 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Shannon Sharpe dug out a unique similarity between Tom Brady and Nikola Jokić. The NFL legend is known for his insane longevity in an extreme contact sport like football. He ended his 23-season-long career last year and became the only fourth player on the planet to achieve that feat. Speaking of longevity, Sharpe argued that the Denver Nuggets center also possessed a similar trait to Brady and said that the 29-year-old Jokic will also play longer.

Sitting alongside Gilbert Arenas in the latest episode of Nightcap, Sharpe found a common factor between Jokic and Brady’s success. It’s the lack of athleticism. Sharpe argued that the lack of athleticism saved Brady from injuries and helped him play longer. He said, “He (Joker) can play for another 10 years because his game is not predicated on athleticism. He can play longer… Like Tom Brady. Just imagine if Tom Brady was reliant on legs.” 

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Nikola Jokić has truly been a work horse ever since the start of his career. The reigning Finals MVP relied more on his imposing height and strength near the rim more than his athleticism in his career. And, by the looks of his team’s performance, he doesn’t look like he is going to stop soon. Eventually, it led him to the GOAT conversation alongside greats like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and others.

While Arenas argued that the 29-year-old won’t go longer with the same intensity because of athleticism, Sharpe argued the exact opposite. And, to validate Sharpe’s point, many have praised the Siberian baller for his effortless nature to drop buckets near the rim.

Even King James praised him, saying that no one has an answer to stop him, after the Lakers-Nuggets clash last night.

Read More – Serbian Pride Dazzles LA As Nikola Jokic, Novak Djokovic and Kings Legend Unite in One Frame

On the other hand, Sharpe immediately contradicted his own point.

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Amid Brady-Jokic comparison, Sharpe contradicted himself

It’s no doubt that Nikola Jokic will continue to dominate the paint for longer. And Sharpe’s point may turn out to be true if he continues to win rings for his franchise without athleticism. But, at the same time, LeBron James is the living proof for achieving greatness and longevity with pure athleticism.

Playing in his 21st season, King James hasn’t backed down from dominating his opponents. Speaking of James, Sharpe paused for a bit and contemplated his view again. He then added, “You know what, I am just going with both.” 

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James has considerably toned down his athleticism, considering his earlier season. Now, it has turned into more calm and strategical plays, but then and there, he sprinkles snippets of his athleticism. What do you make of Sharpe’s view on Jokic? Let us know in the comments.

 

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Written by:

Shahul Hameed

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Shahul Hameed is a Senior NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. Armed with a Master's Degree in journalism from a distinguished institute, his journey into sports writing began during his college days, and since then, Shahul has been captivated not only by the remarkable consistency of Stephen Curry but also by the enduring legacy of LeBron James. He specializes in covering the live basketball action.
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Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe