Denver Nuggets: Three reasons why Nikola Jokic is an All-Star

Nikola Jokic is the exception to the rule

As Nugg Love alluded earlier, Nikola Jokic possesses a rare elite skill for a big man: passing the ball. Watching a doughy, seemingly slower, and a calm personality overall, create for others with flash, is pure entertainment.

Over the years, besides the 2008-2009 season, where Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant shared All-Star MVP honors, centers fall out of the equation in the All-Star game. Sure, there’s always that one center who shoots a three or two just for kicks, but not many dominate the game with pure skill.

Jokic embodies aesthetically pleasing basketball. The motion in which he moves influences a sense of innocent joy. Not many players perform in such a manner that reminds them of childhood cartoon characters.

Round like Winnie the Pooh, although capable of turning into a grizzly bear when necessary, but also springy at times reminiscent to Tigger, the tiger. Sports fans fall in love with relatable players, especially those whose physique challenges the traditional, muscular built player.

Typically, three significant factors make for an NBA All-Star: team standings, individual numbers, and the entertainment factor. Jokic checks all three boxes. The NBA can’t undergo its annual All-Star festivities without the Nuggets star.

All stats appear courtesy of nba.com/stats and basketball-reference.com.