At one point, suffering an eleven-game losing streak did not stop LeBron James from appreciating Nikola Jokic. James said, “Maybe it’s not talked about, because a lot of people don’t understand it, but I do. He’s special.” Many analysts and former players have tried to explain the Denver Nuggets center’s style of play but to no avail. Similarly, Hassan Whiteside, who had a fair share of battles with the Serbian, described him in more detail.

The former Miami Heat star faced Jokic 15 times head-to-head. And fortunately, he has a record of 8-7 over the Joker. He was speaking about the 2023 Finals MVP, alongside two former Heat players, Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, when he said, “I like Jokic. Jokic is frustrating though once he start getting it.”

Further describing the 29-year-old and his massive stature on the court, Hassan Whiteside via The OGs, “He’s already like big he’s like 300 pounds. I think people don’t realize how wide he is. Then he’s hitting you like (enacting Jokic’s movement). He’s all slimy and sweaty. Your arm is just slipping off.”

Even though the 35-year-old had a better H2H record, 3x NBA MVP was leading in key stats. He had registered 22.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.0 steals ahead of Hassan Whiteside’s 13.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.3 steals. That is why when Jokic starts scoring despite his frame, it looks unbelievable.

“And then he hit a turnaround, shoot some nonchalant sh** like this. And it go right in, you looking like, it’s no way bruh,” he added. Hearing this, UD couldn’t control himself but threw in a witty response, saying, “The math ain’t mathing.” Previously too, the Heat legend has spoken highly about Jokic and his performance.

UD adds weight to Hassan Whiteside’s claims about Jokic

The Miami native spent his entire career with the hometown team and is working in the front office after his retirement. The current VP of Basketball Development took shots at the scouting system and over-dependence on athleticism. Jokic was selected in the second round 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, but his contributions have been like a #1 draft pick.

“To all of you who sit at home and never played, worrying about how high somebody jumps or how fast they run and draft them based off that, that has nothing to do with winning or losing. I hope you know that now because Jokic can’t jump over a biscuit,” previously Haslem shared on his podcast.

For the past five seasons, Jokic has averaged 24.9 points, 11.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists in 367 games. He has also won three MVP awards in 2021, 2022, and recently in 2024. The Serbian is not a typical center. That’s why he is more difficult to guard which Hassan Whiteside and Udonis Haslem have tried explaining in their way.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.