When you think of an NBA champion, a two-time MVP, and the cornerstone of a franchise, you probably picture an incredibly athletic player. But what’s really puzzled most of the NBA is Nikola Jokic’s consistent brilliance despite being relatively stocky with limited athleticism. Therefore, it comes as no surprise when people suggest that they’ve never seen anything like what Jokic does on a nightly basis. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith shares the same sentiments.

During the latest episode of the Stephen A. Smith Show, the 56-year-old raved about Nikola Jokić’s incredible skill set. However, he compared his playing style to the boxing great Tyson Fury. An odd comparison, but hear Stephen A. Smith out. He said, “The man (Jokic) can’t jump onto a curb, and you can’t stop him. I ain’t never seen sh*t like that. EVER! When I think about Jokic, he reminds me of what I think about Tyson Fury.”

Stephen A. Smith provided further context about his Tyson Fury-Nikola Jokic comparisons. He stated that Jokic uses the same tactics as Fury used during his matchup with Deontay Wilder. He added, “Do you notice how Jokic, whether he’s wobbling or walking or running up and down the court? How he is always leaning on somebody… He just leans on you with all that heavy weight. And it wears dudes down. That is what happens.”

Stephen A. Smith’s comments on Nikola Jokić’s use of his body weight have surprised many fans. Jokic’s weight is not commonly seen as a potential advantage when assessing his remarkable abilities. However, the “Joker” himself has stated that he has intentionally become heavier.

Nikola Jokic and the importance of body weight

It’s fair to suggest that Nikola Jokić has always been a “big boy.” However, he wasn’t big enough when he came to the NBA in 2015. Jokic felt that guys were pushing him around during the nascent stages of his NBA career. As a result, he decided to put on some extra weight.

During a 2019 interview with ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, Jokic said, “I like to be a little bit heavier like how I am right now. I was lighter than this, say 15 pounds. But I didn’t feel right. Because the guys are pushing me, I was not that heavy. I was light. I just needed a little bit more weight to keep up with those guys.” His decision to gain weight has certainly paid off. Since his 2019 interview, Nikola Jokić has won two NBA MVP awards and has become an NBA champion.

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However, Nikola Jokić isn’t satisfied with just one NBA title. He’s steered the Denver Nuggets into another playoff run, and now fans label them as the top contenders for the 2024 NBA championship. With the Nuggets close to booting LeBron James and the Lakers out in the first round, the question arises: Could they be the NBA’s next great dynasty?