The Rise of Nikola Jokic

After getting drafted at the near end of the 2014 NBA Draft, the 6’10, 250 lbs, Serbian center found a home in Denver. Throughout his rookie year he played consistent and well. Ending the year averaging 10 PPG, 7 TRB, and 1 STL in 80 games (www.BasketballReference.com). About halfway through his rookie year, he finally got rewarded and got into the starting lineup. To conclude his rookie campaign, he was awarded a 2015-2016 All-Rookie award. Although the Nuggets are a struggling team, he is defiantly a bright spot.

Almost done with his sophomore year campaign and as of right now, there has been no sophomore slump. To conclude the month of February, Jokic notched his 3rd triple double of the month, becoming the 1st Nuggets players since Dikembe Mutombo to do so (1993-1994). With this the Nuggets may realize they have a franchise player in Jokic.

Right now, Jokic is averaging 15.7 PPG, 7.8 TRB, and 3.2 AST while shooting .574% from the field (www.BasketballReference.com)! With his latest showing of passing, Jokic can be on his way to become one of the elite passing big men in the NBA. Obviously he is still young (22), he has a bright and decorated career ahead of him if he keeps this way of play. Only time will tell what Jokic does, and possibly if he can take this Nuggets team out of the gutter.