Nuggets news: Nikola Jokic’s opinion of Rudy Gobert’s defense will turn heads appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Nikola Jokic will carry a heavy load once again in the upcoming season, as the Nuggets news: Nikola Jokic's opinion ofDenver Nuggets lost key players in Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas, and Bruce Brown.
The Nuggets are seeking redemption after suffering a first-round exit in last season’s playoffs at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. After their elimination, Jokic lamented that they were far from being a championship team.
Jokic remains the premier center in the NBA, and opponents will plan for him every game. When asked who defends him the best, the three-time MVP was typically modest.
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“Everyone. Some teams defend very well as a unit, while others have excellent individual defenders. (Ivica) Zubac guards me really well, and so does (Jusuf) Nurkic. I guess they’re just bulkier, so I can’t move them when we’re battling for position,” said Jokic in a report from BasketNews.
“I think Rudy Gobert is a great defender, even though I’ve historically played well against him. Jalen Duren, he’s undersized but tricky. Wendell Carter Jr. is also on the shorter side, and Myles Turner blocks a lot of shots. There’s no need to even talk about (Victor) Wembanyama. They’re all good.”
What was a little striking about his response was the inclusion of Gobert. As the 31-year-old Jokic acknowledged, he has dominated the four-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Last season, Jokic averaged 35.8 points, 15.0 rebounds, and 11.3 assists in four games versus Gobert in the regular season.
The 34-year-old Gobert, however, did better against Jokic in the playoffs. While Jokic got his numbers—25.8 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.5 assists—his efficiency was affected, as the Timberwolves finished the Nuggets in six games.
Jokic and Gobert will continue their matchup in the upcoming season, and so will their mutual respect for each other.
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