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Denver Nuggets: Huff’s hot take on Nikola Jokic’s defense

By Mathew Huff

DENVER, CO - APRIL 5: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves boxes out against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets on April 5, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 5: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves boxes out against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets on April 5, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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On this week’s Huff’s hot take, I will be discussing the Denver Nuggets’, Nikola Jokic, and his ceiling when it comes to his defense.

The Denver Nuggets’, Nikola Jokic, has never been a defensive force. He has made his name by becoming one of the most prolific young centers in the game with his ability to dominate on the offensive end.

His crafty passing is what has became his trademark and has left the Denver Nuggets fan base in absolute awe in the past two seasons. Can we expect him to pick it up on the defensive end though and eventually become a two way player?

I am willing to go out on a limb and predict he will. Contrary to popular belief, Jokic actually improved in many facets on the defensive end of the floor this past season.

Per basketball reference, the Joker slightly improved his defensive rating from 109 to 107 along with increasing his defensive rebound percentage and his steal percentage all in the same year. Not to mention, he also showed a solid increase in his defensive win shares. We saw them jump from 2.0 in the 2016-17 season to 2.9 in his 2017-18 campaign.

With how high Jokic’s ceiling is in general, it only makes sense he is going to polish his defensive skills and become a great rim protector in the paint. While many see Karl Anthony Towns becoming the next great two way big man, people do not realize how Jokic has been improving in all facets of his game.

We already know about his offensive prowess. However, do not be surprised if he shows us some skills on the defensive front come next year. The presence of a healthy Paul Millsap should also motivate him. Something which does not bode well for the rest of the Northwest Division.

Next: Top 10 Denver Nuggets of all time

All in all, I believe Nikola Jokic will become a solid defender next season.

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