Love the question because you know the answer. Yes. The conversation around Jokic is so strange because so much of what is interesting about him as a person and player are under discussed on most of the large platforms. The intrigue about him isn't always immediate and obvious, even if the passing makes highlights.
Jokic's place in Serbian/Yugoslavian basketball tradition is very interesting, which is why I wanted to make A HUNDRED INVISIBLE THREADS. As my Serbian colleagues explained to me, Jokic didn't just happen. He comes from a very rich line of basketball in Serbia that is influenced by a very interesting culture and tradition.
I think It is interesting to think about how little we know about Jokic the person and how that probably makes what we do know about him so much more interesting.
I think a lot of the best teams in the NBA are more team-oriented than the previous era. The Warriors are probably the biggest influence on this but the Spurs before them and the Nuggets most recently may be having an impact on what the new generation is aiming for. The Kings, Thunder, Magic, Pacers, all seem like they are growing in the image of Jokic and the Nuggets. Lots of young stars seem interested in forming "teams," not just big 3s. We'll see.
Obviously just the impact of having your center be the fulcrum of an offense is a trend we are seeing across the league. Sengun. Sabonis. Bam. And plenty others who are stepping out and playing the DHO game.
Thanks to everyone who submitted a question or read the replies! And thanks to the mods for putting this together.
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