The excitement for the beginning of the regular NBA season having doubled, thanks to the ?In-Season? NBA tournament, all the teams are looking to make a statement early in the season. With nail-biting finishes and super high-intensity matches being played right from the beginning, many NBA enthusiasts have already gauged the potential of the new NBA teams.?
With many NBA experts picking their favorite teams early in the season, NBA legend Julius Erving also shares his favorite team for the season. Despite the 76ers’?impressive start to the season, Dr.J picked the Jokic-led Denver Nuggets in a recent interview. But why?
Julius Erving?s love for the Denver Nuggets
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In a recent news interview with ?9NEWS?, Julius ?Dr. J? Erving expresses his love for the Nuggets, despite being a former 76ers player and a long-time supporter of the NBA team. Dr. J starts off by praising Nikola Jokic, ?Well Nikola has to be ranked up to right there. There?s no question about it. And for me, my personal bias is that I?m a former ABA player.?
?
Dr.J talks about his affinity towards the ABA teams which exists in today?s NBA. He says, ?So the Denver Nuggets were the last team we defeated in our run for the ABA title way back in 1976. So I am still for the ABA teams and I was pulling for Denver big time last year. So you can tell that to Nikola.?
Julius Erving AKA Dr. J was one of ABA?s legends who dominated the NBA as well. Standing at 6?7, he was an impressive athlete who was way ahead of his time and changed the way basketball was played in the league. His midair spins and powerful slam dunks inspired many future NBA athletes to play with a similar style.
However, despite his aggressive and flashy playing style, Dr. J respects Nikola Jokic?s playing style as well. The NBA legend understands that the Nuggets center and former MVP is truly a special player.
The Denver Nuggets NBA performance so far
The Denver Nuggets got off to an explosive start in the 2023-2024 NBA season. Currently, their win-loss ratio in the league is 9-2, making them the number 1 seed in the Western Conference as of now. However, it is not just Nikola Jokic who is contributing to the team?s success. The NBA team has several NBA veterans like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon, who are playing their roles to perfection.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray has been not playing most of the matches because of his ongoing recovery from injuries. However, the NBA teams have still not found a solution to Nikola Jokic?s elite playmaking and silent 30-point performances.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What are your thoughts on Julius Erving?s love for Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets? Do you think the reigning NBA champs will be back-to-back NBA champions? Comment below!
WATCH THIS STORY| Steve Kerr brutally slams referees, ?Never Heard? rule for harsh Draymond Green ejection