Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone reminisced the time he first met Nikola Jokic, who has went on to become a two-time NBA MVP. Jokic was a second round pick by the Nuggets in 2014, but not many thought that he'll be one of the best players in the world years later.
In his postgame interview following the Nuggets' sweep of the LA Lakers on Monday, Malone was asked about his first impressions of Jokic in 2015. The Serbian superstar made his Summer League debut a year after getting drafted, while Malone was in his first year as Denver's coach.
"That first Summer League in Vegas, 300 pounds, out of shape, 'Hey, he's a nice player,'" Malone said. "No one, and if anybody tells you different, they're full of sh*t. No one could have seen that he'd be a two-time MVP passing Wilt Chamberlain, it seems like, every other night.
"That speaks to his dedication to his craft, getting in great shape and understanding for him to fullfil his potential, he had to work harder. And he's done that."
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Nikola Jokic was drafted during a Taco Bell commercial
Nikola Jokic was a complete unknown during the 2014 NBA draft. The Denver Nuggets took a chance on him with the 41st overall pick in the second round. Jokic was sleeping in Serbia, as it was early in the morning.
To make it even more hilarious, Jokic's draft announcement was made during a commercial break. The then 20-year-old prospect was drafted during a Taco Bell commercial. He even joked about it after winning his second MVP last year.
"Hopefully, I'm gonna have some percentage from the Taco Bell," Jokic said.
Other members of the 2014 Draft Class include Joel Embiid, Andrew Wiggins, Julius Randle and Zach LaVine.
Nikola Jokic leads Denver Nuggets to first NBA Finals
Nikola Jokic put up another triple-double in Game 4 of the Denver Nuggets' 113-111 win over the LA Lakers. Jokic finished with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists to lead the Nuggets to their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history.
Jokic was named the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP for his amazing performance in the series. He broke Wilt Chamberlain's record for most triple doubles in a postseason.
However, the job is not done for Jokic and the Nuggets. They still need four wins to win the ultimate prize — the NBA championship. They face the winner between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
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