NBA legend Shawn Kemp is head-over-heels for Denver Nuggets‘ superstar Nikola Jokic. The six-time All-Star known for his dominant post presence asserts that the modern game has evolved towards facilitating while highlighting the Joker’s unique ability to both score and make his teammates better.

In a recent interview, Kemp discussed his belief that the “best players in the game” are not solely defined by scoring prowess. He emphasized the importance of facilitating basketball and creating opportunities for teammates. He sees that quality in Jokic. “I love watching Jokic play,” Kemp stated, “because he does what he does. He scores the basketball in critical situations, but he also makes his teammates play with him. You don’t see that very often.“

The interviewer further highlighted Jokic’s ability to elevate his teammates, citing the example of Bruce Brown, whose three-point shooting percentage skyrocketed to 40% while playing alongside Jokic. Kemp acknowledged Jokic’s ability to seamlessly blend scoring with playmaking, even referring to him as having a “brutal beast about him in the 4th quarter where he doesn’t mind going down and playing.“

Comparing the ‘Reign Man’ and the ‘Joker’

While their styles differ, both Kemp and Jokic have left their mark on the game. Kemp, known for his high-flying dunks and relentless rebounding, averaged 19.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game throughout his career. Jokic, a skilled passer and scorer with a knack for finding open teammates, currently averages 25.1 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game. Kemp notched five seasons averaging over 20 ppg, while Jokic has achieved the feat four times in his career, showcasing their ability to carry the scoring load when needed.

While Kemp was a dominant scorer in his own right, Jokic’s passing prowess sets him apart. Jokic’s ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, as evidenced by Bruce Brown’s improved shooting during their time together, is a key aspect of his game that Kemp admires.

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Kemp also acknowledges Jokic’s unique “free spirit of sharing the basketball,” a trait not often seen in dominant big men. This unselfishness, as Kemp points out, is “contagious,” making the game more enjoyable for teammates and creating a winning environment.

Kemp’s comments highlight the evolution of the center position in the NBA. While traditional dominance in the paint remains valuable, players like Jokic are demonstrating that elite passing and facilitating can be equally, if not more, impactful in today’s game. As Kemp concludes, “we need to mix it up a bit,” and Jokic stands as a prime example of this new breed of big men who excel in both scoring and facilitating, leading their teams to success in a unique and exciting way.

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