“They Come..Play…Win..Leave” Nikola Jokic the New Tim Duncan? Striking Similarities Come to Light, via Spurs Legend’s Ex-Coach

The NBA is home to some of the best hoopers in the world. However, in recent seasons, one name stands above the rest. Nikola Jokić has dominated the NBA for the past few seasons, winning two NBA MVP awards, along with leading the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA championship in franchise history. But despite being one of the best players in the league, Jokic isn’t the NBA’s biggest star.

His nonchalant attitude and quiet nature may be the reason behind that being the case. Jokic’s quiet nature and stellar on-court performances have drawn him comparisons with San Antonio Spurs’ icon, Tim Duncan. However, the similarities between the two don’t just end there. They both are prolific post players and rely heavily on fundamentals rather than flashy moves.

Current Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy, who coached Duncan in San Antonio, also drew parallels between the two superstars. In an interview, Hardy talked about off-court similarities between Nikola Jokic and Duncan. He said, “They both seem to sort of not buy into the hype, the glitz, and the glamor and all of the things that surround our business. They come, they play, they win, and they leave. That seems to be sort of how they go about their business.”

Will Hardy also provided insights into their on-court similarities. He said, “On the court, I just think about their intelligence… They just have great ball skills, great hands. They seem to be in effortless control of the ball when they have it.” It goes without saying that both Nikola Jokić and Tim Duncan are exceptional players, who have led their franchises to NBA glory. Remarkably, their statistics also share uncanny resemblances.

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Eerily similar stats between Nikola Jokic and Tim Duncan

Apart from comparable off-court personalities and on-court performances, Jokic and Duncan also boast remarkably similar statistics. In his illustrious 19-season NBA career, Duncan averaged 19 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokić has averaged 20.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game during his 9-season NBA career.

Moreover, both Jokic and Duncan have recorded similar field goal percentages throughout their NBA careers. While Nikola Jokić has achieved a field goal percentage of 55.7%, Duncan falls slightly below that mark with a field goal percentage of 50.6%. However, despite their eerily similar stats, Duncan has won five NBA titles and three Finals MVP. Whereas, Jokic has only won one NBA title and one Finals MVP. Can Jokic add to his tally and truly be regarded in the same tier as Duncan? Let us know in the comments below!

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