I'm almost certain every team has tried what you're saying and the dude still avg a 30pt triple double. If the Celtics had played Williams more, they win that series vs playing Horford. Joker is like a modern day Tim Duncan offensively. Pls elaborate
Quite simple, the people who were saying you cannot win with a center who is not primarily a rim protector, and that the "modern NBA" is all about guards taking turns + a lob threat/rim runner - these people were wrong.
We really don’t know what we have in Sengun because of Silas. My hope is no permanent damage has been done. I truly believe Silas (front office) was trying to govern down Sengun’s play to keep the wins down for the tank. Short amount of time on the court where there would be no rhythm to his play, setting him out fourth quarters, no offense or defense systems and then calling him out by name in the after the game press conference. Silas and Sengun had different goals. Sengun is still a kid from another country and culture after years of this I hope he is alright mentally and emotionally because most American youth would not be.
Because Im not cupping Senguns balls in my mouth now Im wrong LOL --- the "rabid" fans are what turned a typical player debate into an ad hominem attack anytime anyone even mentioned a flaw in his game. You all have created the perfect player in your minds before it was ever seen on the court and the interesting part is you guys dont see that - you are expecting greatness and have an issue with people who dont see things the same way. Any sort of olive branches get snapped because of your type who would rather go around relishing the animosity vs actually doing something constructive to push the conversation forward especially from a new account still wet behind the ears - earn your stripes!
I appreciate the passion I really do. It keeps things fresh and reminds all of us why we watch the games. I've always been ROX NATION over any player and if Sengun turns out to be HIM then why would I be upset? The cliquish behavior that this place has adopted during the tank years needs to give way to an actual plan and purpose and if Alperen Sengun is going to become as good or better than Nikola Jokic then Im here for it.
Where were you the last 4 years?? Cool to see the Nugs break out finally, but Jokic has been every bit as good in prior playoff series to no avail. Once he was hidden on defense and surrounded by shooters the team took off. Coincidence?
He has never been played off the court. Jokic has been elite in the playoffs for a while. Yes, the team around him is finally healthy and complete so they’re excelling. The mere fact he’s carried the team he has as far as he has is pretty damn good
True, but there are two sides to the court. His defense has been partly to blame prior to filling out the roster this season with + defenders - got swept by the Suns two seasons ago and then going down 4-1 to the Warriors last year. I dont think anyone has ever doubted Jokic' offensive ability more than the philosophy of highlighting a center in the 3&D era, but Jokic is not a 'normal' big man.
I don’t think his defensive metrics are bad. Deflections, steals and big body are positives. He’s definitely not the traditional shot blocking, intimidating presence. He’s not afraid to throw his weight around. You’re right though, he’s not normal.
As far as will Alp become Jokic, I don’t necessarily like putting that on him. That’s like saying Green will be Kobe or Jabari will be a 3 pt shooting Giannis. There’s similarities but there’s a long way to go. I do think Alp has a very high upside, specially if he develops range and works on his body.
How so? Because FINALLY after 4-5 playoff runs the Nugs finally broke through? What happened during the b2b MVP seasons? If Jokic was enough they wouldnt have needed to hide him. Doesnt take away from the individual skill set and the difference he makes on the court, but championship basketball in the NBA has been dominated by 3&D teams for a decade now and Denver has mimicked that blueprint themselves to a certain extent. Not sure you guys should be throwing a parade because of an outlier season even if it ends with a ring for Jokic. 3&D works!
Nobody wins by himself. Even Hakeem and Jordan needed the right complementary players around them to perform.
You're conflating eras - and I would say that Hakeem Olajuwon definitely carried the first championship team by himself. Jordan would have won rings without Jackson and the other notables on those teams, but with the right combination they turned it into one of the best dynasties in NBA history. The advent and use of the 3 point shot as a 1st line of attack has changed everything.
Wow you are a pure hater. You know he played without his second and 3rd best player last 2 years right?
Listened to an interview this AM on NBA radio about how it's normal for most teams to entertain the idea of replicating the current champs playing style. A bit premature but they predict Denver's got this. Made me wonder... is there any big man in the league that is more similar to Jokic than Alpi? Obviously not. Not saying he's there, but if he develops his shooting (c'mon Sullivan) and the staff uses him correctly...???
