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Fearful of “Big and Overweight” Nikola Jokic, 62YO NBA Veteran Backs Away From 1 Magic Johnson-Like Trait

Published 10/26/2023, 10:11 AM EDT

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Nikola Jokic is quickly emerging as one of the greatest ‘big men’ to ever play in the NBA. His ability to make tough shots and breathtaking plays has already earned him two NBA’s ‘Most Valuable Player’ titles and one Finals MVP title in his 8-year-long career.

In a recent interview, a 62-year-old NBA veteran talks about Nikola Jokic’s playing style.

62-year-old NBA Veteran praises Nikola Jokic

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In a recent interview on the “Dan Patrick Show”, NBA legend Doc Rivers recalls a comment he made about the Denver Nuggets legend around 3-4 years ago. 

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Doc Rivers says, “At the time, you remember his body doesn’t look as good as it looks now. And I was like, “This big, overweight bartender is destroying us… is destroying us!” and that’s how he looked. You watch him play, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

Doc Rivers explains, “Everything he does… his passing, his shots…his shot-making ability doesn’t get enough play. Obviously, he makes the three and he has great post moves but his unorthodox flip shots, in traffic, through contact…and then the best part about his game, his passing.

 

Doc Rivers then compares the similarity between Nikola Jokic and Magic Johnson. He mentions, “He’s one of those guys, Magic-Johnson type, that he makes his whole team better immediately.”.

Magic Johnson’s unique ability

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Magic Johnson was a supremely talented basketball player and arguably the greatest point guard of all time. His ability to genuinely play all five positions on the court made him special but his charismatic personality is what made him the leader of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Magic was so good as a player that he could bring out the best in his teammates. He comfortably led the Lakers to multiple NBA championships thanks to his incredible basketball IQ and an even better off-the-court personality. Doc Rivers believes that Nikola Jokic is doing the same with the Denver Nuggets right now. Under Nikola Jokic’s leadership, the Denver Nuggets have always made the NBA Playoffs in the last 5 years and they are the reigning 2023 NBA champions.

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What are your thoughts on Doc Rivers’s opinion on the unique similarity between Magic Johnson and Nikola Jokic? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Akhil Chakravarthy

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Akhil is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Having represented his state at the National level, he combined his knowledge of basketball with his keen interest in the intricacies of the NBA, delivering in-depth coverage of the teams and players. To hone his understanding of the inner workings of the game, he closely follows the analysis of popular NBA insiders and reporters like Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania.
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Edited by:

Caroline Joseph