Hall of Fame coach compares Nikola Jokic to Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is having another MVP season. The Nuggets are currently atop the Western Conference standings. Hall of Fame coach George Karl has compared Jokic with Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal.
In a tweet posted on Tuesday night, Karl said that he still has no idea how to defend Jokic. He added that the only other two players in NBA history to make him feel that way were Jordan and Shaq.
"I've been watching Jokic for six seasons now," Karl tweeted. "I think the best thing I can say about him is I still have no idea how I would cover him. The two other times I've felt that was against Michael and Shaq."
Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal are two of the greatest players in NBA history. They were both unstoppable forces playing different positions. Nikola Jokic is starting to become one of the best players ever after winning two straight MVP awards.
Jokic could also become the first player since Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics to win three consecutive MVPs. He's back in the conversation after a slow start to the season. He's averaging 25.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 9.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
"The Joker" is shooting 61.6% from the field, 37.5% from beyond the arc and 81.8% from the free-throw line. The Denver Nuggets have the best record in the Western Conference, thanks to Jokic's exploits. He will have to maintain his production if he wants to beat out other MVP candidates such as Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
I’ve been watching Jokic for six seasons now. I think the best thing I can say about him is I still have no idea how I would cover him.
The two other times I’ve felt that was against Michael and Shaq. https://t.co/EPTQ5U4NKe
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Nikola Jokic had perfect night in win over LA Lakers
Nikola Jokic literally had a perfect night in the Denver Nuggets' 122-109 win over the LA Lakers on Monday. Jokic finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 16 assists while shooting 5-for-5 from the field, 1-for-1 from beyond the arc and 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.
According to the record books, the two-time MVP is the first player in NBA history to have a triple-double with 15-plus assists and shooting 100.0% from the field. It was also his 11th triple-double of the season as he leads the league over Luka Doncic (nine).
Jokic and the Nuggets have a manageable schedule for January. They can prove that they are the real deal by beating the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers towards the end of the month. They will also face other tough teams such as the New Orleans Pelicans and Indiana Pacers.
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