Mavs legend describes what separates Nikola Jokic’s version from his signature move

In an interview with BasketNews, Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki elaborated on what separates Nikola Jokic’s version from his signature fadeaway move. Nowitzki highlighted that Jokic's fadeaway move features a jump-off from the right leg, while he used his left leg for the move.

"It was tough, and you know what he does? He does it over the right side and does it with the right leg, he jumps off the right leg, which I could never do. I always felt more comfortable fading this way, jumping off the left leg over my right shoulder. But he turned over the other shoulder. I mean, tough shot," Nowitzki said.

Nowitzki further commented about Nikola Jokic's game overall and commended the Serbian star for his unique playing style and abilities.

"His game is amazing to me," Nowitzki continued. "Everything seems to be in slow motion, he gets his hands on balls, he's got incredible hands, passing, steals, and just a great finish and super happy for him. He's a good dude, he loves to play, he's always joking around and he's heck of a player."

Both Nowitzki and Jokic are among the best international players to ever play in the NBA and have left an impact as two of the premier big men in the league.

Kendrick Perkins says Nikola Jokic "scares" Team USA

Team Serbia will face Team USA on Thursday after the Serbians qualified for the semifinals of the men's basketball event at the 2024 Paris Olympics by defeating Team Australia in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Serbia was able to erase a 24-point deficit against Australia to win the game 95-90 in an overtime thriller led by Nikola Jokic's double-double performance of 21 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, four steals, and two blocks.

After the game, ESPN analyst and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins highlighted Jokic's reputation as the reigning NBA MVP and said that he scares every player, including the ones in Team USA, ahead of the upcoming semifinal matchup.

“When it comes down to what he’s doing,” Perkins said of Jokic’s performances. “He’s doing more with less. And it’s no knock to his teammates. Those guys could play, but they’re not stacked like Team USA.

"Jokic scares everyone. Like everyone, including the guys that are representing our country.”

Team Serbia and Team USA previously faced each other in the Olympic opener, as the USA defeated Serbia 110-84 to kick off their Olympic campaign. The winner of the upcoming semifinal competition will advance to the Olympic championship game, while the loser will play in the bronze medal match.