Nuggets Coach Reveals Moment He Knew Nikola Jokic Was Special

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone knew Nikola Jokic was special his rookie season

During a recent episode of The Lowe Post Podcast, Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone joined the show to discuss several different topics, including Nikola Jokic. When asked for the moment he realized Jokic was special, Malone detailed a specific game against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs during Jokic's rookie season.

"There was a game his rookie season against San Antonio, in San Antonio with Tim Duncan, and Nikola's line was something like 26 points, 13 rebounds, 8 or 9 assists. And I'm like, he just did it against one of the best players to every play the game, on the road, as a young kid, and he impacted the game across the board. But what really stood out to me during that rookie season, his unselfishness, his IQ, and his ability to make everyone around him better."

Jokic's ability to make everyone better is truly what separates him from so many other great players. While a lot of players can score at a high level, Jokic is able to get his when needed, but always looks to make the right play. This was on full display during Denver's title run, and it's why so many opponents spoke about them being unguardable. Players as dominant as Jokic regularly get double-teamed, but this is not a strategy that's effective against him because of his playmaking ability.

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