Fri Nov 22 23:40:00 UTC 2024: ## From Taco Bell Commercial to NBA Royalty: Nikola Jokić’s Unlikely Ascent to All-Time Great
**Denver, CO** – The recently released “The Basketball 100,” a definitive ranking of the NBA’s greatest players by The Athletic, shines a spotlight on Nikola Jokić’s extraordinary journey. The book, featuring contributions from basketball legends like Charles Barkley and analysts David Aldridge and John Hollinger, highlights Jokić’s improbable rise from an overlooked second-round draft pick to a three-time MVP and NBA champion.
Initially dismissed due to his physique and perceived lack of athleticism, Jokić defied expectations. His unique skillset—exceptional passing for a center, uncanny mid-range accuracy, and an unparalleled court vision—ultimately propelled him to superstardom. The book details how the Nuggets’ initial hesitation to fully utilize Jokić’s talents changed on “Jokmas,” December 15, 2016, a turning point that transformed the franchise.
“The Basketball 100” chronicles Jokić’s development, from a horse-racing enthusiast consuming three liters of soda daily to an elite NBA player. His remarkable passing abilities, often compared to an NFL quarterback’s precision, have earned him accolades like LeBron James’s praise for his unique court vision. Despite leading the Nuggets to the 2023 NBA Championship with near-triple-double averages in the playoffs, Jokić remains remarkably humble, prioritizing his family and horses.
The book’s authors argue that Jokić’s impact transcends his statistics. His efficiency, particularly his shooting percentage on mid-range shots that are generally considered inefficient, revolutionized offensive strategies. He has consistently led the league in advanced metrics such as PER and BPM, solidifying his status among the league’s elite. His remarkable career, detailed in “The Basketball 100,” serves as a testament to his unique talent and unwavering dedication, a story that’s almost as unbelievable as his success. The book is available now.
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