March Madness: DJ Burns’ Masterclass Vs Duke Had Nikola Jokic Running Late For An NBA Game

Nikola Jokic knows who he wants to play with next, and it is not LeBron James. The defending champions recently triumphed over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 130-101 blowout. The Denver Nuggets took over the game during the third quarter, behind Jokic’s 28 points, 16 assists, and 18 rebounds. So, when the media personnel saw the Joker binging on a March Madness thriller, they couldn’t help but probe Jokic’s interest.

The reigning finals MVP shared that he was indulged in the recent game between Duke Blue Devils and NC State Wolfpack. Moreover, looking at DJ Burns’ masterclass, Jokic hints at a desire to play alongside the youngster. He was captured saying, “I think he’s so skilled, especially lefty,” in a candid conversation. Moreover, highlighting NC State’s chemistry, Jokic claimed that the players love to play with Burns. With that, he remarked the DJ to be “a good guy” to share the court with.

Despite his triple-double, Nikola Jokic was hooked to his mobile screen right away. Hilariously, the game’s intensity kept him from the podium for the post-game pressers.

Burns posted a whopping 29 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists to advance NC State (11-seed) to its first-ever Final Four since 1983. DJ, probably the nation’s favorite young big man at the moment, dominated the 4th seeded Duke throughout the game.

Regardless, like a classic March Madness game, it came with ups and downs. Going into the half, both teams struggled to score. Duke finished the stretch with a 6-point lead as Burns found himself in foul trouble. However, having found his rhythm on the court (20 points), Burns managed to finish the game on 13-19 shooting, 68.4% from the field.

DJ Burns’ 2024 NBA projected draft pick

Burns’ is a 6’9, 275lbs center and an automatic mismatch at the college level. Apart from bulldozing his way to easy layups, the center is also quick on his feet; marking a comparison to Zach Randolph. Moreover, Burns initially declared for NBA drafts in 2021 but circled back to the lower stage in light of improving his game.

With that, the center is yet to declare his stance for the 2024 NBA drafts. Moreover, several mock drafts project Burns to go undrafted. However, the Denver Nuggets have number 29 and 32 overall picks for the 2024 draft, giving them a chance to kick-start Burns’ NBA career.

Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be surprising if DJ opts to continue college ball. While Burns’ has crafty footwork alongside his soft touch around the rim, the center’s shooting outside the paint needs improvement. Moreover, he lacks a Zion Williamson-like athletic burst, which the very athletic NBA defenses can easily exploit.

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