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Three Nuggets crack ESPN’s top 100 NBA rankings

By Anthony Scott

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 5: Nikola Jokic
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 5: Nikola Jokic /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 12: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets shoots the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 12, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, OK. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 12: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets shoots the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 12, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, OK. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Nikola Jokic (16)

The first player to appear on ESPN’s list wearing the light blue and gold is Nikola Jokic. The Serbian big man was featured on last year’s list at number 42. This year “The Joker” is considered one of the NBA’s elite. Coming in at number 16, Nikola Jokic is ranked the third best center in the league.

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Jokic made an enormous splash last season quickly getting everyone’s attention as he facilitated Denver’s offense. The third year pro had the eighth best player efficiency rating, and ranked fourth in triple doubles last season. Jokic’s ability to do everything on the court makes a him a nightmare for defenses, and could make Jokic an all-star in the competitive west this season.

Among Nuggets fans it is no surprise that “The Joker” is ranked this high, but on the national landscape this could be a shock to some. It’s nice to see a Nugget get well deserved national recognition as a top 20 player in the league. After nearly averaging a double-double and close to five assists a game while only playing about 28 minutes per game, It’s no surprise to see Jokic make the big jump in the rankings.

Player I am surprised he is ahead of: Demarcus Cousins (17)

Player I am surprised he is behind: Rudy Gobert (14)

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