For several years, praise has been raining down on the Nuggets’ Serbian pivot Nikola Jokic. After speaking on the subject, Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t hesitate to compare him to another illustrious infielder, Spurs legend Tim Duncan. Looking more closely, we would be tempted – like Mohamed Henni – to answer “well yes, logic”.
Because in fact, between the Big Fundamental on the one hand and the Joker on the other, the commonalities are not lacking.
We are here in the presence of two magnificent franchise players who have sworn allegiance to “small” teams in the League – San Antonio and Denver, which do not have the attractiveness of Los Angeles or New York – and who lead them to the top of the Western Conference. When it comes to a pure leader appreciated by his teammates, Timmy and Niko speak the same language. In the game, even if we are on different styles, we breathe versatility, efficiency and fundamentals on both sides! A treat for purists of the orange ball. So surely, the native of Sombor (Serbia) does not hesitate to add a touch of show to his game through his unique passing qualities, and we are not in the same universe in terms of defensive impact since Duncan still remains one of the references of all the times in his own half.
Last proof of the similarities between Nikola Jokic and Tim Duncan, the latter represents a model to follow for the former. If that’s not symbolic…
“He’s the Tim Duncan of big men.”
Shaq on Nikola Jokic, hilarious quote.
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) December 21, 2022
However, there is one point that the Serbian still lacks compared to the old original interior of the Virgin Islands: you guessed it, it is the palmarès. Sure, on an individual level, the two players are tied with two MVPs each (although the Joker isn’t immune from adding a new Michael Jordan trophy to his collection). But collectively, that’s another story.
In fact, Jokic, who is in his eighth season, has never reached the NBA Finals while Duncan, at the same stage in his career, was on his way to the third of his five rings. Just to be a little lenient with the Joker, it should be noted that, in view of winning titles, it is indeed easier to start your career alongside David Robinson than Jusuf Nurkic or Joffrey Lauvergne. But above all, it is still very practical to have lieutenants whose infirmary is not a second home. While Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray have known and still know great periods of absence, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker have formed a veritable Big Three with Duncan.
At nearly 28, the Nuggets pivot is in his prime and still has a well-built team around him. Is it soon time for the Joker to start teaming up with former strong Texan winger to win his first Larry O’Brien trophy? The future will answer that question. In any case, Nikola Jokic does what it takes to deserve the confrontation offered by Shaq.
Now it’s up to him to continue on this path to establish his status as an NBA legend in the future. Something he is, no doubt, perfectly capable of.
