Charles Barkley Compares Nikola Jokic to Tim Duncan, Calls His Game ‘Brilliance’

He sees a lot of the same “no drama” attitude in Jokic as he did in Duncan.

Nikola Jokić finds himself occupying the title of top dog in the NBA at the moment but you wouldn’t know it from watching him off the court. The Nuggets center is as humble as they come and fans took notice when he didn’t get too emotional or excited after winning the Western Conference finals or NBA Finals. 

Charles Barkley noticed the same unassuming attitude and said it reminded him of a another big man superstar who acted like it was just another day at the office. 

“He reminds me of Tim Duncan,” Barkley said on The Bill Simmons Podcast. “Tim Duncan was the most no drama great player I ever watched in my career.” 

Charles Barkley on Nikola Jokic: "He's content if he has to score 30 or 20, get 17 rebounds or 12 rebounds, or get 12 assists or 15 assists...If you don't appreciate that, you dont know anything about basketball. That's brilliance right there."

"He reminds me of Tim Duncan." pic.twitter.com/6wgyZnNJEb

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) August 25, 2023

It’s quite the comparison to make for Barkley, but it’s not far off. Duncan was a five-time champion and one of the best players to ever live while also being known for his humble approach to the game. He wasn’t much for celebration or flash, and Barkley sees a lot of that in the reigning NBA Finals MVP, who could very well be on his way to more titles. 

“That’s brilliance right there,” Barkley said when describing Jokić’s playstyle. “Like, ‘Whatever we need tonight, I’mma give it to you.’”