When one thinks of Nikola Jokic, defense isn’t something that comes to mind first. The Denver Nuggets superstar big man is often associated with what he does with the ball on offense. He is an ultra-efficient scorer who is also gifted with a brilliant vision and a high basketball IQ that let him create looks for his teammates.
Denver Nuggets’ Michael Malone Praises Nikola Jokic As An Underrated Defender In The NBA
But Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone isn’t one to forget about the huge impact of Jokic on defense. Jokic’s defensive abilities are simply overshadowed by his immense capabilities on the other side of the floor. On Monday, Malone took time to praise the Serbian’s defense.
“People criticize Nikola’s defense because he doesn’t average three blocks a game. But if you really are a basketball purist and you watch the game, you see he’s got some of the best hands in the NBA, bar none,” Malone said of his star player after the Denver Nuggets completed a comeback win versus the Raptors (h/t Matt Brooks).
“One of the most underrated defenders in the entire NBA,” the NBA champion mentor added.
In the 125-119 win at home against the Raptors, Jokic posted a monster triple-double of 35 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists. But he also had six steals, giving credence to Malone’s claim about Jokic’s timing. In fact, Jokic isn’t just leading the Nuggets in the 2023-24 NBA regular season in points, assists, and rebounds, he is also pacing his team in steals with 1.3 swipes per outing (tied with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope).
It’s amazing to think that despite all the attention he’s been getting during his prime years in the league, there is still at least one quality of Jokic that people overlook. Then again, that’s also a testament to how great he is as an offensive machine.
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