P.J. Dozier was a guest on the American journalist Adam Mares show “Dnvr Nuggets Podcast,” where he discussed many topics.
Did you know that P.J. Dozier earned the nickname ‘P.J. Composure’ after just a few games with the Denver Nuggets? This further emphasized his composure and calmness in crucial moments of the game
As he himself admitted, after the game at the open-air court of Tasmajdan during the fan torchlight, he lost focus and found himself watching the atmosphere in the stands more than the events on the court. However, when it was most needed, “P.J. Composure” lived up to his nickname and delivered a fantastic dunk in transition, the footage of which circled the globe. One thing is certain, he will forever have a unique moment captured by the vigilant eye of the camera.
Nickname
“I remember how it started, and it’s something that definitely describes my game. I have to say that I really like it,” said P.J. Dozier.
Time with the Denver Nuggets
“I always tell everyone that Denver holds a special place in my heart. In a way, it defined my career. A fantastic coaching staff, teammates, fans – everyone welcomed me with open arms. I had an incredible time there, and it will always be something special for me.
I remember when I received their call, it was a blessing for me. My best teammate was Tony Craig. He helped me in the adjustment process, and I realized the opportunity I was given, so I was excited about it. I’ve always been the type of player who will adapt to the team and do whatever it takes for my team to win in the end.
I remember that series against the Utah Jazz, Jamal Murray and Donovan Mitchell had their own 1-on-1 showdown. I stood in the corner and enjoyed it. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets won the title a bit later. Several players showed progress, not just Murray and Nikola Jokic. Personally, I didn’t experience the ‘NBA bubble’ until I left the camp and it all ended.”
Injury with the Nuggets
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about. We had a 9-2 streak, and I got minutes due to circumstances, as Jamal Murray suffered an injury at that time. It was harder for no one else than him, and we all tried hard as a team to compensate for his absence. Then, I got injured too, which was disappointing because I had a great opportunity, maybe even the biggest in my career.
As a player, I’ve always loved to compete. When I’m not able to be on the court and help my team, it’s hard to accept and come to terms with such circumstances.”
Title for Jokic and teammates
“At that moment, I felt like a fan, and I was sincerely rooting for that team. I had a great relationship with that group, and I know how much it meant to them, as well as to the fans and the entire city of Denver. I had a lot of friends and all my family members supporting me during the period when I was injured. I’m really happy because those guys won the title.
They sacrificed a lot for that great success. I had the most communication during that period with Murray; we texted each other. I think he understood how happy I was for them. I’ve been with them since the beginning of that process,” described P.J. Dozier.
Why is Jokic so special?
“Because he moves so slowly! (laughter) He sees basketball three, four steps ahead of everyone. Both on the offensive and defensive end of the court. I’ve always felt like a player with a high basketball IQ, but when I saw his game, I looked at it completely differently.
When I came to Europe, I understood where that came from for him. Because of the whole way basketball is understood here, it opened my eyes. Mike Malone believed in me when no one else did.”
Flares during the game
“Man… I don’t think I’ve ever played in an atmosphere like this. Everyone tried to tell me that Partizan has the best and craziest fans. Only when I stepped on the court did I truly understand what it looks like and how it feels. At one point, I was looking at the stands more than the court, I have to admit. I didn’t know what was going on, I’ve never experienced anything like this in the United States.
I think the image I have with the dunk and the torchlight in the background is the best thing I’ve ever experienced. Absolute madness!” – said a smiling P.J. Dozier.
Belgrade
“Every day I feel better and better. I’m eagerly awaiting the derby against Crvena Zvezda. I haven’t had much time to explore the city, we’ve been on a training camp in the mountains and played a preparatory tournament. But I’ve heard only the best about Belgrade. Fantastic restaurants – as long as there’s good food, I’m satisfied.”
Zeljko Obradovic
“He’s incredible! Everyone told me he’s the best coach to work with. Belgrade is an amazing city, and I have the opportunity to work with the best European coach, which is a great blessing. He’s raised the standards, and I understand why he’s a different kind of coach. He understands the game like no one else.”
“When I said I was coming to Partizan, Nikola Jokic called me. He told me that everyone will welcome me with open arms, that Partizan has the best fans, and I understood that hype. He was so excited that he transferred that excitement to me” said P.J. Dozier.