Opposing teams have to pick their poison with Nikola Jokic

“There isn’t a whole lot you can do. You just sort of hope he has an off night.”

That is a direct quote from a former Denver Nuggets assistant coach, now coaching for another team. And he is describing Nikola Jokic.

There is no question Jokic is one of the most-fascinating players in the NBA. Maybe in the history of the NBA. There really has never been anything like him, at his size. There have been lots of triple double threats over the years in the league, but nothing like this guy. Nothing like the Joker.

As one NBA assistant coach will tell you, it’s almost impossible to game plan for him.

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs dare other teams to blitz. They want them to blitz. They invite teams to blitz. Because that’s when Mahomes is at his best.

It’s a lot like Jokic and the Nuggets. They want other teams to double-team him. They almost beg other teams to double-team him. Because, like Mahomes with a blitz, Jokic, with a double team, will find the open man. Oftentimes a wide open man. And then the other team pays.

Of course, If you don’t double team Jokic, there is a great likelihood he will score on you. So, teams are forced to pick their poison with this unicorn. And then, like the coach said, “You just sort of hope he has an off night.”

It’s just incredible when you look at this guy’s numbers. You know other teams are keying on him. You know he is the very first subject in a game planning session against the Nuggets. Yet, he’s still putting up MVP-type numbers.

An MVP with a local sports team doesn’t seem to come around very often in the Mile High City. We have that with Nikola Jokic and I sure hope everyone appreciates it.

I hope everyone is basking in this guy’s greatness. Because we may not see another one like him again.