Nikola Jokic is not any stranger to the NBA All-Star stage, however this yr’s occasion in San Francisco feels totally different for the Denver Nuggets’ star heart. Because the seven-time All-Star prepares for Sunday’s sport, he acknowledged that the absence of shut good friend Luka Doncic made the expertise uncommon.
Throughout NBA All-Star Media Day on Saturday, The Dallas Morning Information’ Mike Curtis requested Jokic in regards to the latest commerce that despatched Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in change for Anthony Davis, a transfer that despatched shockwaves all through the league.
“I form of suppose each groups win. I believe Luka is a generational participant, a generational expertise. Luka is any person we haven’t seen earlier than, who’s affecting the sport in so many ranges, so many possessions,” Jokic stated. “He was constructing one thing there. I believe he was damage – however I believe it’s good as a result of then individuals will perhaps, and gamers take it extra significantly. I believe as a commerce it’s not such a giant factor however for those who traded somebody like that – it kinda turns into a bit little bit of a giant factor and perhaps gamers shall be extra critical about it.”
Nikola Jokic displays on Luka Doncic’s absence from All-Star weekend
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Doncic had been a staple at All-Star Weekend since 2020, incomes 5 consecutive picks earlier than this season. Nonetheless, his prolonged absence because of damage earlier than the commerce and his subsequent transition to the Lakers stored him out of this yr’s occasion. When requested if it felt unusual not having Doncic round, Jokic admitted the distinction.
“It’s bizarre as a result of we at all times have a superb evening earlier than the sport,” he stated.
Jokic will take the courtroom Sunday as a part of Charles Barkley’s staff, Chuck’s World Stars, alongside MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rookie standout Victor Wembanyama. They’ll compete within the first semifinal sport towards Kenny Smith’s staff, Kenny’s Younger Stars, that includes Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, and Cade Cunningham. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
Whereas Jokic stays targeted on his personal All-Star look, the absence of Doncic marks a noticeable shift within the occasion’s standard dynamics. The 2 have shared a robust bond on and off the courtroom, with their chemistry evident in previous All-Star video games. Now that Doncic is adjusting to his new function in Los Angeles, he and Jokic will work together throughout regular-season and potential playoff matchups as an alternative of their standard All-Star camaraderie.