Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Last year’s NBA Champions, the Denver Nuggets, enjoy a unique layer of home-court advantage. Rather than just the crowd, the atmosphere itself has a big role to play. As a result, another team is preparing to practice in the same conditions. While their superstar point guard was nowhere to be seen on day 1, the rest of the team travelled 2,000 miles for the pre-season practice. However, their request brought out a chuckle from a superstar all too familiar with rabid fanbases. For years, Kevin Garnett was privy to the phenomena that is, the Boston Celtics fanbase.

The?Big Ticket?made an interesting comparison about Nikola Jokic and his potential role in the state of Colorado.

Kevin Garnett brings humor to Philadelphia’s practice request

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Philadelphia 76ers are in a tough position. The star they traded for last season already wants out. With no conclusion to the James Harden trade saga, the team barreled into the pre-season with a unique mindset. While Joel Embiid did bring home MVP honors, the previous season was a disappointment. A team ready to take the leap to the next level and cash in on a potential Championship couldn’t even make it to the Conference Finals. Further, Embiid’s primary rival, Jokic, winning his first title was salt on their wounds. So, to combat Denver’s Mile High?advantages, the 76ers sought a rather interesting avenue.

Their plan was to hold a training camp in the high altitude of Colorado. But, there was more to it than just the climate.

USA Today via Reuters

Denver is nicknamed ‘Mile High City’ for a reason. The city rests 1600 meters above sea level. For teams, particularly, in the East, such drastic changes in the climate can often become disadvantages. But as per?The Athletic?there could be more to the decision than meets the eye.

?As for the mental side of it all, it?s no coincidence they chose to come to the same state where the Larry O?Brien trophy currently resides…Nikola Joki? staked his claim as the game?s best player with his historic play during Denver?s title run…The physical and motivational benefits that came with this place made all sorts of sense,”?said NBA writer Sam Amick.

Read More: ?Such a Diva?: 24 Hours After Being Slapped With $100,000 Fine, James Harden?s Latest 76ers? Update Draws Uproar From NBA World

Prior to their trip, however, the team had to first check in with the Nuggets “because of Fort Collins? proximity to Denver.? On hearing the permission request, Kevin Garnett could not keep it in. The legend made an iconic comparison to sum it up. “Joker moving like Suge.”?

Suge Knight is best known for co-founding Death Row Records, working with iconic rappers like Tupac and Dr. Dre. But Garnett’s comment refers to a different element of the former record executive.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

KG compares Nikola Jokic to Suge Knight

The best guess for Garnett’s comparison seems to be that the 2023 NBA MVP was asking for permission from the Joker to practice in his locality. By that accuracy, Nikola’s hold over the Colorado area is a lot like the control Suge had over his.

While Joel might say otherwise, Philadelphia does see some steep competition ahead. However, the irresolution to the saga with?The Beard?might folly all their ideas.? During the course of the summer, the relationship between the two parties has gotten increasingly strained with Harden calling GM Daryl Morey “a f**king liar.”? Now, a divorce seems like the only possible option.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

With James planning to make a visit to the camp to make the situation more uncomfortable, how will the 76ers combat their own harsh atmosphere?

Watch This Story: 3 Months After NBA’s New Rules Challenged James Harden And Joel Embiid, 25YO Dallas Star Advocates WNBA Implementation