Gilbert Arenas Defends Nikola Jokic's Commitment, Compares to Tim Duncan Nikola Jokic has long been the subject of a persistent narrative that questions his dedication to basketball, particularly after he expressed greater enthusiasm for returning to Serbia to care for his horses than for celebrating the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship. This perception has fueled debates about whether the Serbian center’s apparent nonchalance is a genuine lack of passion or a calculated approach to his craft. However, Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA All-Star, has publicly challenged this narrative, calling it “lazy journalism” and urging critics to reconsider their assumptions about Jokic’s commitment. Arenas, speaking on his podcast, argued that those who dismiss Jokic’s work ethic are failing to recognize the magnitude of his achievements. The 6’11” center has won three MVP awards, averaged a triple-double for two consecutive seasons, and become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both assists and rebounds in the same season. These accomplishments, Arenas contended, are impossible to achieve without a deep investment in the game. “You think a person who doesn’t care about basketball can average a triple-double, can win three MVPs?” he asked, emphasizing that such a narrative undermines the efforts of athletes who consistently perform at the highest level. Arenas drew a direct comparison between Jokic and Tim Duncan, the former San Antonio Spurs star known for his quiet dominance and unflappable demeanor. “He cares more than everybody,” Arenas said, quoting Jokic’s approach as “like Tim Duncan. I don’t need to talk—just going to kill you.” This analogy highlights Jokic’s ability to thrive without drawing attention to his efforts, a trait that has defined his career.#denver_nuggets #nikola_jokic #michael_porter_jr #gilbert_arenas #tim_duncan
