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5 things to watch for during Nuggets’ scrimmages

By Quenton S. Albertie

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 23: Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center on February 23, 2020 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 Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 23: Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center on February 23, 2020 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 Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 16: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against Marquese Chriss #32 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at the Chase Center on January 16, 2020 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 16: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against Marquese Chriss #32 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at the Chase Center on January 16, 2020 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

3. Nikola Jokic’s new physique

Nikola Jokic shocked fans with his slim frame over the summer but he says he’s only 3-5 pounds off the weight that he was when the season ended. Considering he lost 15-20 pounds during the last few months of the season, he’s likely lost about 25 pounds since the start of the season when he weighed 284 pounds. With that math he weighs about 260 pounds, which really isn’t slim at all.

However, there are also conflicting reports with just how much weight he actually did lose, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst claiming the Nuggets’ pivot lost 40 pounds during the NBA’s hiatus. Now that would be a dramatic change in his physique.

Regardless of what his actual weight is, the big question is whether or not Jokic will have trouble banging with the big boys inside without the added girth to help him bully his way to the rim. Considering how being quicker on his feet can aid his already terrific footwork, my guess is no.

Defensively, it’ll be more of a mixed bag with Jokic likely able to improve his pick-and-roll and perimeter defense but possible finding it harder to defend bigger or stronger centers like Steven Adams (Oklahoma City Thunder) or Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers).

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