Nikola Jokic has faced some of the NBA’s best defensive big men throughout his career, and the Denver Nuggets superstar recently named several players and teams that give him the most problems.
Speaking on the podcast “Jao Mile”, Nikola Jokic discussed the individual defenders who make his job particularly difficult, while also reflecting on his availability and the evolution of his game since entering the NBA.
Nikola Jokic discusses the NBA defenders who give him the most trouble
Jokic does not believe there is one specific type of defender who consistently causes him problems. Instead, he pointed to both strong individual defenders and teams that excel collectively.
“Everyone gives me problems. There are teams that defend well as a unit, and there are also defenders who are individually very good. Maybe the ones we play against a little more. Ivica Zubac defends me really well. Jusuf Nurkic does too. I guess we’re both a little bulky, so when we’re battling down low, I can’t move them much.
“Rudy Gobert is a serious defender. He showed that in the last playoffs. I’ve had some good games against him throughout my career, but I think he’s really a good defender. Jalen Duren is good too. He’s smaller, but he’s tough for me. You can find something against everyone.”
“Wendell Carter Jr. from Orlando Magic is also good, especially at blocking shots. The league is really talented. There’s also the entire Oklahoma City Thunder team. And then there’s Victor Wembanyama.”
Jokic on wanting to play every game
Availability has also been an important part of Jokic’s career. The three-time MVP has consistently expressed a desire to be on the court, although his experience with injury last season gave him a different perspective.
“I’m proud of that. My desire is to play every game. In one season, I even managed to play all 82 games. Maybe that’s not necessarily how it should be, and maybe sometimes you need to rest.”
“Still, I think that when you’re in a rhythm, a game feels normal and, in a way, you enjoy it. When I was injured this year, there was frustration. It was the first time I had missed such a long period away from the court, and maybe the first time in my life that I felt that kind of frustration.”
“I like playing. When we have two days between games, I don’t know what to do. Should I practice or not…”
NBA breakthrough
Nikola Jokic also looked back at the early stages of his NBA career and explained how he gradually earned the trust that allowed him to expand his game.
“I’m a little bit of an atypical example. If you remember my first years, I played a very simple game that suited everyone. Whenever I entered the game, I wanted to give it everything I had. It didn’t matter if I played one minute – I would sprint up and down the court and someone would notice me.”
“Then, when I started getting minutes, I simplified my game from a basketball perspective. Without overthinking things, so I could earn the coach’s trust. So they knew what they could expect from me.”
“I never thought I needed to come in and score a ton of points. I always wanted to stay on the floor as long as possible. Over the years, that changed, and now I do everything.”
He also spoke about the veterans he followed when he was establishing himself in the NBA, pointing to Wilson Chandler and Jameer Nelson as examples.
“I had Chandler and Nelson. I often think about them, and we even have a group chat. They were in the gym every day. I had good role models and I just copied them. So, over the years, I developed my own kind of routine. Out of 300 days, I’m in the gym 295.”
The feeling after winning an NBA championship
After helping the Denver Nuggets win their first NBA championship in 2023, Jokic reflected on the emotions that came with finally completing the job.
“I often stay alone in the locker room because I have my own ritual. So, I really need time, and everyone waits for me. That is the best feeling, when you stay alone and all the emotions build up, and then it feels good. I felt like the job was done. Maybe relief was the stronger emotion than euphoria. I felt more like: ‘Whew…’”
