The three-time MVP and one of the most consistent players in the NBA since his debut season in 2015, Nikola Jokić has been with the Denver Nuggets since he switched from European club-level basketball to one of America’s most popular major leagues.
Year in and year out, the 6’11”, 284-pound Serbian has tantalized the basketball fraternity with his jaw-dropping on-court talents and incredible ability to win challenging games.
He is outspoken, never backs down from speaking his mind, and has his true allegiance set with the Nuggets. Recently, when asked about his opinions on the Oklahoma City Thunder being the favorites to win the NBA title once again, Jokić replied slyly, putting the entire league on notice.
What Did Nikola Jokić Say About the Thunder Being the Favorites for the Title Once Again?
With a sly grin, Jokić said, “Hopefully we can be the silent — how do you say it? — the silent knight. Silent horse. Dark horse.” The Nuggets put up a valiant fight against the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals last season, but unfortunately went down in seven tightly contested games.
Jokić’s response to the Thunder being the title favorites is unsurprising, as both he and the Nuggets consider OKC their most significant challenge in the upcoming season, besides maybe the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The battle for the top spot in the Western Conference could well and truly be a three-way tie despite the Thunder being the overwhelming favorites to clinch the conference in the regular season once again.
Jokić Spoke Highly of His Team and Voiced Praise on the Latest Offseason Acquiree
While addressing the media after team practice at Ball Arena on Friday, Jokić was asked to express his opinion on the team’s outlook going into the new NBA season.
The Serb said, “We have different weapons. I think we can have a lot of different weapons, and we can be dangerous. With the new stuff, I think, we are going to surprise or we are going to play differently.”
Next, Jokić was asked about the team’s recruit, Cameron Johnson, who was traded for Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick with the Brooklyn Nets this offseason.
The Nuggets star said, “He’s thinking too much. He’s trying to fit in. I told him, you are a really important part of this offense, just be yourself and don’t try to think ‘should I do this or do that.’ Just play your game and be aggressive in the moment or in the role that you have been given.”
The Nuggets will be in action next when they travel to Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA, to take on the Los Angeles Clippers in their third preseason game on Sunday night.
