Nikola Jokic is currently the brightest star in the NBA. He and the Denver Nuggets won the throne of the 2022/23 season, as well as taking home the title of Finals MVP (Best player in the final series).

With the above achievements, Nikola Jokic has a complete collection of the NBA’s most prestigious titles. If he continues to maintain his form, Nikola Jokic can completely compete with legendary strikers like Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Shaquille O’Neal.

However, many people will be surprised that Nikola Jokic was an underrated player when he was young. Even assessments before the 2014 NBA Draft showed many doubts about whether Jokic could succeed in the NBA arena.

How was Nikola Jokic evaluated before entering the 2014 NBA Draft

Pass the ball

This is the skill most highly appreciated by scouts in Nikola Jokic. “One of the best passers in the 2014 Draft class. Always keeps his head up to observe and can intelligently send the ball to many positions,” the assessment said.

Nikola Jokic has maximized this strength, making him the best playmaking center in NBA history. He has an average of 9.8 assists in the 2022/2023 season, the best achievement a center forward can achieve with the old record belonging to Wilt Chamberlain (8.6 assists).

Throw the ball

“Mid-range and long-range throwing ability is below average. Efficiency is only 22% at the 3-point line”, that’s what Nikola Jokic received after his time playing in European tournaments.

However, the Serbian star has brought a remarkable improvement. He throws shots that are within the reach of defensive players and is very effective. Even Jokic has an average efficiency of 33.6% when the 3-point line in the NBA is farther than in FIBA ​​tournaments.

Defense

This is one of Nikola Jokic’s worst ratings. Comments said: “Jokic is not a good player who protects the basket. Has difficulty facing the opponent’s powerful rushing situations. Needs to improve flexibility.”

Nikola Jokic is a player with a tall body and “seems” to be quite slow. However, his observation and significantly improved footwork have helped Jokic develop the ability to protect the basket. Although not as excellent as defensive midfielders, attacking Jokic’s position is not easy.

Physical

“A slow player, poor jumping ability and no flexibility. Weak physical strength, unable to maintain the whole match. Will have difficulty facing NBA-level strikers.”

When he first entered the NBA, those were quite accurate assessments. However, Jokic has improved his fitness significantly. Although he does not have extraordinary physical strength like African players, Nikola Jokic’s physical condition is still very strong and impressive. Even top NBA strikers like Anthony Davis find it very difficult to block Jokic’s scoring situations.

Nikola Jokic and the “half laughing, half crying” situation in the 2014 NBA Draft

With a bad review, Nikola Jokic only received the attention of the Denver Nuggets. This team said they will select him in the second round, if no one else picks him first. However, Jokic himself did not believe that he was selected and when his nаme was announced in Pick 41 of the 2014 NBA Draft, he was in his sleep in his hometown of Serbia.

When his relatives informed him of the results, Jokic thought he was the only one joking and continued to fall asleep.

Jokic’s disbelief in reality also has a reason. When Nikola Jokic was selected, the TV screen even played a Taco Bell commercial and only announced it with a short text. Up to this point, that recording has become a legend in NBA history.