JJ Redick: Nikola Jokić deserves more recognition following Nuggets’ sweep over Lakers

Final 3:04 WILD ENDING #1 Nuggets vs #7 Lakers – Game 4 | May 22, 2023

Former NBA player JJ Redick has lamented the lack of recognition for Nikola Jokić following his Denver Nuggets’ complete sweep over the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.

Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Redick expressed his disappointment with the media. He highlighted that much of the post-game analysis has been fixated on the losing team. For instance, despite neither team advancing to the NBA Finals, the Lakers and New York Knicks dominated headlines.

“We don’t do a good job of selling what the NBA is. It is 30 teams, 450 players, multiple superstars. This is the way we have sold the NBA. I don’t love it,” said Redick.

ClutchPoints

2023-05-24 09:07

“We don’t do a good job of selling what the NBA is which is 30 teams, 450 players, multiple superstars. The fact that people are now being like, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize Nikola Jokic was good.’ Let’s put him on TV more! Let’s talk about him!” — JJ Redick https://t.co/7eLHQ8GS9i

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“After Game 1 of the Lakers-Nuggets series, I was on TV for four hours, and over half of the conversation was about what the Lakers did. By the way, Nikola Jokić had his third straight triple-double in that game.”

Redick argued the two-time MVP deserves more recognition and coverage for his playoff performances, especially after leading the Nuggets to finish the series with a 113-111 Game 4 win.

“People are now saying, ‘I didn’t realize Jokić was good.’ Well, then let’s put him on TV more. Let’s talk about him,” Redick argued.

Kevin O’Connor

2023-05-24 09:07

NIKOLA JOKIC you gotta be kidding me https://t.co/vrxCjDIEwn

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Heat’s historic run overshadows Jokic’s stellar performance

Jokić has averaged 29.9 points, 13.2 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game throughout Denver’s playoff campaign this season.

The player also surpassed the 30-point mark in seven playoff games. One standout performance saw him amass 53 points against the Phoenix Suns.

Yet, despite his remarkable achievements with the Nuggets, the bulk of the conversation this week has revolved around the Boston Celtics’ desperate situation, trailing 1-3 in their series against the Miami Heat, who is one victory away from becoming the second No. 8 seed in NBA history to advance to the Finals.