Despite a slow start from its star player, the Denver Nuggets boast the second-best record in the Western Conference. Jokic deserves All-Star status; Nugg Love explains why.
NBA All-Star weekend is on the horizon as the ballots open to the public. The Los Angeles Lakers come to mind first, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis as expected starters for the All-Star game. However, the Denver Nuggets harbor a star of its own in Nikola Jokic.
Out of the gate, two critiques dominated the Serbian star: FIBA basketball and his doughy physique. Both factors correspond to legitimate reasons for a slow start. However, telling one not to play for his/her country seems counterproductive.
Besides, after invoking MVP-like praise last season, Jokic deserved a summer of freedom. Unfortunately, freedom came at a cost. As such, although the Nuggets started 7-3 in its first 10 games, Jokic recorded numbers below his standards.
Advanced stats deemed Jokic a pedestrian NBA player in his first 10 contests. True shooting at a disappointing 50.9 percent and effective field goal percentage at a measly 47.4. Also, if you don’t subscribe to advanced metrics, counting stats didn’t indicate a great start either.
Three-point shooting, a prime factor in today’s game, besides the ability to counter switches on defense, found Jokic, a suboptimal performer. In the first 10 contests, Jokic recorded 22 percent from deep on 4.9 attempts per game.
Jokic overcame the slow start, thus pushing the Denver Nuggets back into elite status ranking second in the Western Conference. Nugg Love breaks down the reasons why Nikola Jokic deserves All-Star status.