The 2023 NBA season concluded in the most dramatic fashion. The Denver Nuggets not only made their first ever Finals appearance but also took home their first ever championship. In the era of superteams, the Nuggets shocked the world with their historic accomplishment without putting together a stacked roster. However, their heroics can be credited in large part to their legendary center, Nikola Jokic.

Jokic was the reigning MVP coming into the 2023 season. Throughout the season, he put up similar numbers as he did in his back-to-back MVP seasons, leading the Nuggets to the 1st seed in the Western Conference. Despite not securing his third consecutive MVP award, he delivered an even greater glory to his team. He won the championship, also bagging the Finals MVP award. Interestingly, this achievement of The Joker reminded ‘Bad Boy’ John Salley of a legendary 6’9 Boston Celtics forward.

Nikola Jokic reminded John Salley of a Celtics legend

The Joker’s phenomenal achievement reminded the 4 time NBA champion and “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons member, John Salley of the Celtics legend, Larry Bird.

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“There is no guarding him. He’s either gonna go around you, and….this is why I feel he reminds me of Larry Bird. He moves at his speed and you can’t keep up with his speed, which is no speed….he plays in a whole different environment,” Salley stated.

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Salley had some high praise for Jokic. And rightly so, as the similarities between the two are very much evident.

How Joker emulates Bird?

The Boston Celtics landed on gold in 1978. With the 6th pick in the NBA Draft, the Celtics selected Larry Bird. In just 14 years, he became the most celebrated player for the Celtics since Bill Russell. He won 3 consecutive MVP awards along with 3 championships during his time with the legendary franchise. However, his style of play was unlike any other.

Bird possessed an unbelievable shooting prowess at his size. His ability would let him make shots from anywhere on the court which was unseen before his time. However, he was not the most athletic players and played at an exceptionally slow pace. In an era where transition offense dominated, Bird played at his own pace. This is something that Jokic too, incorporates in his game.

The Serbian national also plays at a slower pace compared to the rest of the league. Jokic has an outstanding playmaking ability and his IQ for the game has been hailed by The King, LeBron James too. His shot-making skill is simply remarkable.

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Despite their slow pace, Bird and Jokic have been two of the most successful players in NBA history. After winning his first ring, Jokic has cemented his place in the Hall of Fame, also making a strong case to be considered among the greatest centers of all time.