NBA fans react to insider's concerns on Nikola Jokic being out of shape - "It's a dad bod, this culture is toxic"

Nikola Jokic has become a globally renowned NBA superstar through his distinct style of play. Some observers, however, are concerned with one particular aspect of the Joker's this season: his physical frame.

On Wednesday's episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast," NBA insider Chris Mannix brought up some observations that certain "people" supposedly have regarding Jokic's physical shape and conditioning.

"The other thing I keep hearing — and I haven’t been around him personally enough to see it — is that people keep saying he’s heavy, right?" Mannix said (Timestamp: 10:41). "Like, he’s not in the kind of shape you’ve seen him in during years past.”

It should be noted that Mannix didn't specify if these "people" were insiders from the Denver Nuggets organization or throughout the NBA or fans in general.

Mannix's comments drew some negative reactions from netizens.

"It's a dad bod ... This culture is toxic," one tweeted.

On the other hand, some netizens agreed with the observations that Mannix brought up.

The bigger conversation: Nikola Jokic's defense

For context, Nikola Jokic's frame was brought up as part of a conversation about his problems on the defensive end, which both Simmons and Mannix commented on.

"I can't believe you said Jokic's defense was terrible," Simmons said (Timestamp: 9:53). "There's things he does well, but then you watch a game like the (Denver Nuggets-Sacramento Kings) last night, where they're just basically getting whatever they want. His lack of rim protection becomes more of a problem."

NBA: Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings - Source: Imagn

Mannix replied, "Part of it is, (Nuggets coach) Michael Malone is just running him out there for, like, 38 minutes a game. If you’re carrying that heavy and offensive burden, it’s going to cost you something on the other end no matter who you are."

Afterward, Mannix, who writes for Sports Illustrated, made his comment about Jokic's frame, citing it as another factor leading to his defensive shortcomings.

As far as Jokic's issues with rim protection are concerned, Simmons and Mannix may be on to something. The Denver Nuggets are the third-worst team in the NBA in limiting opponents' paint production, giving up 52.2 inside points per game.

Alhough the Nuggets beat the Kings on Tuesday, they did so by way of a 130-129 shootout. With All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis leading the way, the Kings scored 58 points inside the lane — way above the average paint points typically yielded by Denver.

To be fair, Jokic had another impressive triple-double with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists. However, the Nuggets coaching staff will need to look into ways to shore up their defense, particularly in the interior.