Kevin Durant All Praises for MVP Contender Nikola Jokic: ”He Was Flopping Too Much.. And Then He Just Grew Up”

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is the reigning NBA MVP and one of the league’s most dominant players. He has been going head to head with some of his peers, like Kevin Durant and LeBron James. The 2021-22 NBA season may probably be remembered as one of the unique in recent years or decades, owing to the numerous adjustments in the schedule, the teams affected by the COVID-19, and the tightness of the MVP race.

In 2021, it was evident that Nikola Jokic would be selected one month before the season’s finish, but this time, various hopefuls have raised their hands to be considered. Once again, The Joker demonstrates that you don’t have to be on a major title contender or surrounded by other talents in the league to compete for MVP.

Former MVP and Brooklyn Nets star, Kevin Durant has been all praises for Nikola Jokic. During a recent interview, the Slim Reaper admitted that he hated The Joker’s game but now loves his performances.

Kevin Durant praises MVP contender Nikola Jokic

“I had to grow into, cuz I didn’t like him at all, I didn’t like his game at all,” Durant said. “I just thought he flopped too much early on when he first got to the league. He was too talented, but he was flopping too much–like I hated that about his game. And then he just grew up.”

“He plays at his pace for sure. He plays at his pace and he’s so efficient too. Like he makes all of those crazy shots that you think that. He knows how to get those fouls on you–reach in, if you’re playing too aggressive.”

By some accounts, Nikola Jokic is having the best statistical season of all time. Last season, the Nuggets big man earned the regular season MVP award after averaging 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. Despite being 7-footers, Jokic and Embiid are the NBA’s most reliable mid-range shooters right now. The 26-year-old Serbian’s level of expertise on a regular basis is a credit for his hard ethic.