Mike Conley Praises Nikola Jokic’s Incredible Basketball IQ

DENVER, Colorado — As NBA veteran Mike Conley sat at his locker, he reflected on the genius of Nikola Jokic, the star center of the Denver Nuggets. “What’s the smartest thing you’ve ever seen Nikola Jokic do?” Conley pondered the question amidst a busy day at the arena.

Jokic, in his eighth season, has built a reputation as one of the smartest players in basketball. Conley, who has faced Jokic 40 times in his lengthy career, described an unforgettable moment from a Timberwolves-Nuggets game last November. “He was calling out our play mid-play, practically rendering us helpless,” said Conley, impressed by Jokic’s ability to anticipate and counter offensive strategies.

Conley recounted another instance where he found himself on defense, only to be outsmarted by Jokic’s quick thinking. “I took a step to help defend a cut, and without even looking, he passed the ball right past my face to the corner for a three-pointer. It was a chess match — I had been bested.” Jokic’s skills are not just physical; standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing nearly 300 pounds, his intelligence sets him apart from his peers.

This season, Jokic has averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. He holds impressive career statistics and accolades, including three regular-season MVP awards. Yet, his mental acuity is the aspect that leaves his opponents in disbelief, as noted by Nuggets guard Christian Braun. “He’s probably the smartest player that’s ever played,” Braun emphasized.

Jokic’s understanding of the game allows him to maneuver through defensive schemes seamlessly. His offensive strategies have made the Nuggets one of the most efficient teams, scoring an average of 128.3 points per 100 possessions. Draymond Green, a rival and fellow NBA star, acknowledged, “I feel very confident that I can outthink most centers, but maybe not Jokic.”

Moreover, his curiosity drives him to continuously seek knowledge about the game. According to Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman, Jokic approaches each situation with a hunger to understand more. “He sees the game differently, always thinking three steps ahead.”

On defense, Jokic’s ability to anticipate plays allows him to compensate for any physical limitations. Braun noted, “He can put you in position to defend better, he sees everything before it happens.” Conley added, “If you play against him once, he’ll know your tendencies, and he’s quick to alert his teammates.”

Their discussions often reveal Jokic’s influence off the court, as he engages teammates with the same relentless dedication he shows during games. As a friend and competitor, Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Los Angeles Clippers shared, “He really shows how to play. His brain is working at full speed.”

With playoffs approaching, teams are all too aware of Jokic’s unique skill set. His ability to read the game contributes significantly to the Nuggets’ success and presents a challenge for their opponents. The Nuggets hope to leverage Jokic’s unique talents as they continue their journey through the season.