When you’re the reigning MVP, little things often become big things. For Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, even a marginal change can have major implications.
That’s what made last Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage, which came several days before Denver’s season tipped off in Phoenix, so noteworthy.
The starting unit had gotten blasted by the reserves. The turnovers were as rampant as the defensive breakdowns, and the communication, according to coach Michael Malone, was non-existent.
Enter Jokic, whose deep bag of basketball tricks doesn’t generally involve calling out his teammates.
Jokic’s message, as relayed by Malone: “Guys, we are bad. We’re just running up and down. We’re not doing anything. We don’t know our plays. We’re not playing our defense, and we’re going to get our (butt) kicked on Wednesday.”
If there was a silver lining to Malone’s simmering frustration that Saturday afternoon, it was that. His only critique of Jokic’s message was that it came post-scrimmage and not during the mess.
It wasn’t until two days later – at Monday’s practice – that positives came to light.
Asked whether the issues that arose from Saturday’s scrimmage were discussed, veteran Will Barton laughed.
“Definitely got addressed, for sure, it got addressed,” he said.
Barton said he, Jokic, Malone and other coaches got on the team following their abysmal practice.
Jokic, according to Monte Morris’ recollection, told the team they’d lose by 40 if they brought the same level of focus to Phoenix in the season opener.
“Everybody listens,” Morris said Jokic’s words. “MVP. Best player on our team. For him to speak up like that, it speaks volumes to where he sees this team going because if he didn’t see no potential in this team, he wouldn’t have spoke up. He did that and it kind of lit a fire up under everybody.”
On Wednesday night in Phoenix, the Nuggets exacted a small measure of revenge against the Suns, who swept the Nuggets in the playoffs. Led by Jokic’s 27 points and 13 rebounds, the Nuggets authored a clinic against the reigning Western Conference champs. To Jokic’s delight, six players finished in double figures while Michael Porter Jr. and Will Barton led the team with five assists each.
Malone acknowledged it was a rare instance, but he also said Jokic has improved in finding his voice. And while last Saturday’s circumstances were tense, Jokic has also spoken up in less-charged environments. During drills, it hasn’t been uncommon for Jokic to re-position a screener, for example, if he notices one of his teammates doing it incorrectly.
Asked specifically why he decided to speak up after the scrimmage, Jokic said cheekily: “I don’t know, to be honest. I made a mistake, probably.”
Jokic doesn’t like discussing his MVP award, the spotlight said award brings him or the responsibilities that come with such an achievement. It’s part of his ethos; some parts humble, bashful and coy all at once. He likes to go about his business without sharing the secrets, even though his leadership may be the single biggest ingredient to the Nuggets’ championship formula.
“On one hand, it shows that you’re empowering your team and your players,” Malone said. “And you want your best player to also be your leader. And Nikola has been that, his work ethic the last couple years, his commitment, but now to take that even a step further … you know, heavy is the head that wears the crown.”
And given all he’s been through, beginning with the Nuggets’ extended Bubble run, to the quick offseason, to his ruthless MVP march, to his wedding and now the birth of his newborn daughter, no one could fault him if he was feeling worn out. Malone had a recent conversation with president Tim Connelly and team strength coach Felipe Eichenberger to take a step back and consider where he’s at. The conclusion?
“I think he’s a little bit probably fatigued, like most first-time dads are,” Malone said. “It’s not something that’s out of the ordinary. This is life.”
Jokic, perhaps stubbornly, wouldn’t concede anything.
“I’m good,” he said. “It’s a good thing that Natalija is doing a really good job (with their daughter). She’s helping me in that point a lot. So whenever she needs help, I help a little bit. We are really good, I think, partners in that.”
The Nuggets are making a conscientious effort to keep it light with Jokic, knowing how much they’ve asked of him and understanding how much of himself he’s already poured into their culture. But last Saturday’s remarks exemplified an investment and ownership that can have a profound impact on the Nuggets’ future.
Not that he’s trying to hold court after every practice.
“We have eight coaches, 12 coaches,” he joked. “So it’s not my job to be a coach, too.”
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Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic embracing MVP responsibilities: “Heavy is the head that wears the crown” - The Denver Post
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