After the Denver Nuggets’ recent playoff elimination, former NBA wing Evan Turner took to X to speak his truth about Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. During Denver’s Game 7 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Turner said he does not want to see Jokic play again.
I sound like a hater but I don’t wanna see Jokic play another game
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) May 20, 2024
In a follow-up post, Turner likened watching the three-time MVP to watching baseball.
It’s like watching baseball
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) May 20, 2024
Despite Jokic being one of the most successful NBA players in recent history, he does not possess a flashy game. Furthermore, the former NBA champion is not one to dominate the highlight reels. On the contrary, other recent MVPs like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid are typically considered more “fun” to watch.
Regardless of Turner’s comments, Jokic is one of the most dominant players in the NBA. In each of the last four seasons, the Serbian native has either won the MVP award or a championship. Additionally, he has finished top-ten in MVP voting every season since 2018-19.
Nikola Jokic Receives Praise From NBA Legends
While Turner may not be Jokic’s biggest fan, other past NBA personalities have opened up about their thoughts on the Nuggets big man. Recently, Hall of Famer Bill Walton praised Jokic, calling him “one of the great [sic] basketball players ever.”
“His celebration of life through basketball, his focus on the team … he’s better than perfect. He’s Nikola Jokic,” Walton told The Denver Post. “He’s the best player in the world. I watch a lot of Denver Nuggets basketball, and every time I watch, I just get a smile on my face. It’s fantastic.”
“He’s one of the great basketball players ever,” he said. “It’s a disservice to (Jokic) to limit him. He’s an incredible scorer. He’s a fantastic rebounder. He’s an incredible passer. He’s an incredible teammate. He has it all. Don’t try to limit him. Don’t try to box him in. Because with Nikola Jokic, there are no limits.”
Additionally, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James spoke about Jokic after their first-round playoff matchup this year.
“He’s one of the best players to ever play this game. It’s that simple,” James said after practice on Friday at Ball Arena.
“He changes the way his teammates think about their own play,” James said. “When you are able to inspire your teammates at a level that they don’t feel like they can play at, that’s a true testament.”
The Last Word on Evan Turner’s Comments About Nikola Jokic
Regardless of how you feel about Jokic, it is impossible to argue against his recent success. In addition to being a one-time NBA champion and a three-time NBA MVP, Jokic is also a six-time NBA All-Star. Additionally, he is only 29 years old. Realistically, Jokic could remain a dominant force in the league for another decade or so. Although the Nuggets failed to win back-to-back titles, they will always be serious contenders with Jokic on the team.
