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Denver Nuggets: Three keys to success for Jokic

By James Siegle

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – APRIL 05: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Pepsi Center on April 5, 2018 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 05: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Pepsi Center on April 5, 2018 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Keep passing:

As Jokic’s stock continues to rise, he will be tempted to play hero. NBA superstars often struggle with this balance, especially the young ones.

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No matter the scenario, Jokic must not lose sight of the skill that elevated him to stardom.

Passing.

Before Jokic, Denver was hardly on the map. And then “Jokic offense” began. Turns out making your center the primary assist man isn’t entirely crazy. When he’s a superb passer, anyway (6.1 assists per game last year ESPN).

Before you could say “what a pass by Nikola,” Denver’s offense took the league by storm.  The Nuggets finished 2017-2018 sixth in the NBA with 110 points per contest (ESPN).

Just imagine if everyone was healthy.

Jokic’s passing game rendered him the stud you see today. That passing game will keep him here.

The blueprint is simple. Jokic should distribute early and often. His default mode is pass-first play-maker. He should assume this role for three quarters. This will keep the defense guessing, unable to smother any particular scorer. It will also free space for Jokic to isolate later in the game.

Which leads to the next section…

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