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Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Hall of Famer Declared Nikola Jokić a Basketball Genius: "He Thinks Like Magic and LeBron"
Jerry West (Image via Getty) In the rich history of basketball, few voices hold as much influence as Jerry West 's. A Hall of Famer famously known as 'The Logo,' West's legacy is etched not just in NBA lore but in the very silhouette of the league itself. When he speaks, especially on talent evaluation, the basketball community listens. And when it comes to Nikola Jokić, West's praise is not just enthusiastic—it's transformative. Jerry West's Praise for Nikola Jokic on Dave Wohl's Podcast During an appearance on Dave Wohl's Front Office podcast, West offered perhaps the highest compliment possible for Nikola Jokić , likening his basketball mind to that of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, LeBron James , and Chris Paul. 'He thinks like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Chris Paul, LeBron James and he's seven feet tall,' West noted. Such a comparison is no small feat—it places the Denver Nuggets star among the cerebral giants of the sport. What separates Jokić from other big men is his ability to see the court with unparalleled clarity. His mind operates on a different level, identifying passing angles and opportunities in ways reminiscent of elite playmakers—only he's doing it from the center position. Jerry Stated taht Jokic has Magic in His Hands For West, Jokić's physical gifts are as impressive as his mental sharpness. One of his standout traits? His extraordinary hands. West emphasized how Jokić has what he believes to be 'the greatest pair of hands' in the game. Whether it's securing a rebound in the middle of chaos or threading a no-look pass from the post, Jokić's hand control makes the extraordinary seem routine. Describing Jokić's rebounding instincts, West said, 'He can be right in the middle of eight hands and somehow that ball comes out in his hands.' It's a blend of finesse, anticipation, and touch that allows him to dominate without ever needing to out-jump or out-muscle opponents. Why Nikola Jokic is Redefining the Center Role Jerry West on his love for MMA, his pick to win NBA FINALS, and life after basketball Jokić is doing more than just excelling—he's reshaping the traditional definition of a center. Former NBA guard BJ Armstrong echoed this sentiment, calling Jokić a 'point-five'—a rare hybrid of point guard and center. 'He is the first five-man you can actually run your offense through,' Armstrong said, emphasizing how Jokić's court vision changes the offensive landscape. His passing game is a revelation. From initiating fast breaks to orchestrating half-court sets, Jokić doesn't just participate in the offense—he runs it. Armstrong marveled at how Jokić can rebound, dribble coast-to-coast, and make perfect reads in transition, something practically unheard of from players at his position. Mastering the Game with Grace Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Jokić's game is how effortlessly he seems to operate. West described watching Jokić as akin to watching someone 'playing in a hammock'—relaxed, composed, and always in control. It's not that Jokić overwhelms with speed or strength. Rather, he charms the audience with his feel for the game. BJ Armstrong aptly captured this quality by saying, 'He doesn't move fast, he doesn't jump high, he's not quick, but he is charming.' That charm translates into numbers—stat lines that often include double-digit rebounds and assists, with scoring sprinkled in effortlessly. West Touched on Nikola's Championship Brilliance Jokić's greatness was cemented during the 2023 NBA Playoffs, where he led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever championship. His dominance in the Finals, capped by a Finals MVP award, silenced any remaining skepticism. For West, the title wasn't just a win—it was a validation of Jokić's unorthodox brilliance. That playoff run reinforced the idea that basketball IQ and skill can win just as effectively as speed and athleticism. Jokić proved that understanding the game on a deeper level is often more impactful than flashy plays or highlight reels. How Nikola Jokić is Shaping the Future West's admiration for Nikola Jokić also hints at where basketball might be headed. Much like Stephen Curry changed how the game is played by extending shooting range, Jokić is ushering in a new era for centers—one where intelligence, vision, and versatility are prioritized over pure athleticism. As teams look to develop future stars, Jokić's model may become the standard. Big men will no longer be judged solely on how high they jump or how well they defend the rim but on how well they can think the game, pass, and lead from any position on the floor. Also read: Cleveland Cavaliers Re-Sign Randy Mims, Reinforcing Ties to LeBron James and a Legacy of Loyalty Nikola Jokić has quietly sparked a revolution—not with brashness or bold proclamations, but with a calm dominance that's changing how we view the modern NBA. Jerry West sees it clearly: Jokić isn't just great. He's transformative. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Brooklyn Nets' perfect outcome for No. 8 pick in 2025 NBA Draft
The post Brooklyn Nets' perfect outcome for No. 8 pick in 2025 NBA Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Brooklyn Nets are in a strong position this offseason, with multiple first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft and cap space flexibility to add talented players to the roster. The Nets are currently projected to have around $45 million in cap space, in addition to five roster spots, allowing them to keep all their draft picks intact. Advertisement The Nets entered the lottery but did not get the result they were hoping for, as the Mavericks lucked out on the No. 1 pick. However, this year's draft is packed heavily till the second round, and because of their multiple picks, the Nets are projected to have a good roster before the new season. It will be interesting to see how the Nets' front office cracks the free agency, trade, and 2025 NBA Draft markets. Some projections show that Brooklyn is looking to combine its first-round picks for a superstar trade, allowing it more firepower with an already proven NBA Star. How the Nets are building a competitive roster through draft and deals The Nets have a significant advantage this offseason with multiple first-round picks and cap space, which will help them in rebuilding the roster around the current star players of the team. If the front office makes wise decisions, they might have a full roster before the new season begins. Advertisement A more serious option for the Nets is to move up in the draft to get their hands on the top 2-3 picks. They can trade the No. 8 pick along with Cam Johnson and future picks, giving them a more realistic chance to land a franchise-leading prospect. We will examine several prospects in the 2025 NBA draft that the Nets can acquire at No. 8 who fit the team's current requirements. The team is desperate for immediate impact and not another long-term prospect. Ace Bailey Ace Bailey, the 18-year-old forward from Rutgers University, is predicted to be a top-5 prospect in multiple mock drafts. However, rumours suggest that the Sixers will not be acquiring Bailey as they highly rate VJ Edgecombe. Therefore, due to the requirements of other teams who will pick before Brooklyn, they might be able to get their hands on Bailey, who is a talented player. The immediate appeal of a player like Bailey comes across easily when watching him hit tough shots at his size. In today's NBA, teams are constantly looking for forwards who can change a game with shotmaking while also being able to contribute on the defensive end. Meanwhile, the Nets are looking at players who can have an instant impact on the team, and Bailey could be the key to their rebuild. Jerimiah Fears – G Several mock drafts project Fears to be a top 5 pick. However, if he falls to No. 8, there is no doubt that the Nets will grab him. The 18-year-old is among the top scorers in the draft, averaging 17.1 points as one of college basketball's youngest players this season. Teams looking for a lead ball-handler who can generate consistent paint touches, like Brooklyn, will salivate over that part of his game. Noa Essengue The 18-year-old forward from France has recently entered the top 10 discussion as several mock drafts link him to the Brooklyn Nets at No. 8. The French prospect recently dropped a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double to help lead his club Ratiopharm Ulm to a playoff overtime win. Essengue, the second youngest player in the 2025 draft behind Cooper Flagg, is a fluid two-way disruptor who has greatly developed his ball-handling, passing, and shooting this year. However, he has to keep improving his half-court scoring, skinny frame, and inconsistent three-pointers. NBA Draft trade scenarios: Will the Nets package picks for a superstar? Several blockbuster players have been linked with the Nets, including some key free agency targets that can improve the current roster. The Nets were looking at a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, however, it is easier said than done. Bringing Giannis in won't be easy for many teams, as he would also demand a blockbuster contract. Advertisement Instead, the Nets could find their star in free agency in the form of Randle. While the power forward from Kentucky isn't an All-NBA caliber player, he has made three All-Star Games. Randle has averaged as much as 25.1 points per game in a season, and he would be free to get up plenty of shots in Brooklyn. He alone might not be enough to turn the Nets into a playoff team, but Brooklyn has more projected cap space than any other team. The Nets could outbid everybody for Randle's services and still have enough room to make another big deal. Related: Nets land one player on The Ringer's top 100 after tanking season Related: Most popular 2025 NBA Mock Draft picks for Nets at No. 8
