Amidst criticism for ‘ruining’ NBA, Nikola Jokic celebrates World Basketball Day
The NBA announced its celebrations for World Basketball Day, which included a video message by Nikola Jokic about the spirit of basketball.
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Nikola Jokic indulges in celebrations amidst criticism of ruining the NBA
The NBA celebrated the second annual World Basketball Day on December 21, a date chosen to honor Dr James Naismith’s invention of the game in 1891. Among those leading the celebrations was Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, who highlighted basketball’s ability to unite people worldwide.
In a video shared by the NBA, Nikola Jokic, one of the league’s most accomplished international players, reflected on the universal language of basketball. Speaking about the sport’s role in fostering unity, Jokic had a rather detailed take.
This is the game we live for, and we have this one day to encourage that and make it even bigger… It’s basically a game that we can speak, even if you don’t speak the same language, you can speak through the game.
Nikola Jokic said in the video
“Even if you don’t speak the same language, you can speak through the game.”
— NBA (@NBA) December 21, 2024
On World Basketball Day, Nikola Jokić discusses the international reach and universal language of basketball.
The NBA family celebrates World Basketball Day to showcase the role basketball plays in… pic.twitter.com/EQEsxJR2Mi
With three MVP awards and a 2023 NBA Championship under his belt, the Serbian star’s rise to stardom is a testament to the global appeal of the game. However, despite his accolades, Nikola Jokic and other international players have faced criticism from pundits like Jason Whitlock, who argue that the NBA’s focus on global talent has diluted its domestic appeal, leading to the league’s declining ratings.
Nonetheless, the league continues to embrace its global ambitions, with World Basketball Day celebrations emphasizing the game’s international reach. Events included youth clinics worldwide, showcasing basketball’s grassroots impact, and themed content that connected fans from different corners of the globe, according to the NBA’s official press release.
Nikola Jokic leads season’s first MVP straw poll
Just a day prior to the celebrations by the league, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps revealed the results of the NBA’s first MVP straw poll of the season, with Nikola Jokic emerging as the front-runner. The Denver Nuggets center is on track to claim his fourth MVP in five years, edging out Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Jokic’s numbers this season are staggering. He is averaging 31.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game while shooting 56.4% from the field. If sustained, these stats would set or match career highs in points and assists, solidifying his dominance as one of the league’s most complete players.
While Gilgeous-Alexander and Antetokounmpo are also having exceptional seasons, Nikola Jokic’s versatility and efficiency on the court continue to make him a standout. Denver’s 14-11 record may not reflect his impact, but without him, the Nuggets’ playoff hopes would likely be slim.
As for other candidates, Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder, sitting at an impressive 21-5, present a strong case for the young guard’s MVP candidacy, while Antetokounmpo’s recent dominance during their NBA Cup victory will surely present a solid case for his stake to win his third MVP. However, for now, Jokic’s all-around excellence remains difficult to overlook.
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Armaan Gupta
(292 Articles Published)