Nikola Jokic Says It Would’ve Been Interesting To Watch If This Ejection Would’ve Happened In Serbia
Dealing with authorities has never been Nikola Jokic’s strong suit. Despite being a two-time MVP centre, he has never averaged more than 6.3 free throw attempts per game. The Nuggets have long been troubled by the way officials have treated Jokic, and this is starting to show more often.
Nikola Jokic Says It Would’ve Been Interesting To Watch If This Ejection Would’ve Happened In Serbia
Jokic and Michael Malone, the Nuggets coach, were both ejected for complaining to referees on Nov. 20, less than a month ago, during the team’s game against the Detroit Pistons. Jokic has now had nine ejections during his career. Many have been connected to his annoyances.
It occurred once more on Tuesday night against the Chicago Bulls. Jokic thought he was fouled during a layup attempt late in the second quarter, but there was no whistle blown. He voiced his grievances to the authorities.
Nikola Jokic to the ref: "Call the foul, motherf***er."
Michael Malone to the media: "When I heard what he said, I said I don't understand the problem because when I grew up that was a term of endearment in my house." 💀 pic.twitter.com/BK5WvNw2R2
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) December 13, 2023
When questioned about the ejection following the match, Jokic, 28, appeared to imply that the referees might run into some issues if the match had taken place in his home nation of Serbia. To be clear, Jokic implies something rather than saying it outright.
“I do not know [what happened there]. It is what it is. I am just happy that we did not play in Serbia this game. It could have been really funny to see how it would be handled. It was interesting,” Jokic said.
"I'm just happy that we didn't play in Serbia, this game. It's could've been really fun to see how it would be handled."
– Nikola Jokic on the referee ejecting him
(h/t @awfulannouncing )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 13, 2023
“Some guys can say whatever. I think sometimes what I say is not even a technical foul. It is what it is,” he continued. “No, I crossed the line, but sometimes that word does not cross the line. I like my money, so I am not gonna say… whatever.”
With his average of 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists per game this season, Jokic is probably headed for his third MVP in four years.
A pool reporter was informed by referee crew head Mark Lindsay that his “language reached the standard for an ejection” despite there having been no warning or previous technical penalty.
Nikola Jokić on his ejection: “Some guys can say whatever…I think some times what I said isn’t even a technical.” pic.twitter.com/OPcw4vigY6
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) December 13, 2023
The previous time Jokic was sent off, the Nuggets defeated the Pistons, and on Tuesday they prevailed 114-106 over the Bulls. Even if their bench hasn’t played well, they can get by without him against the lower clubs in the rankings.
However, the Nuggets will have serious problems if Jokic can’t learn how to make calls and get along with referees during crucial games.
Is Jokic the highest paid NBA player?
Rank | Player | Team |
---|---|---|
1 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors |
2 (tie) | Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets |
LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers | |
Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers |
Nikola Jokic is immediately ejected from the Bulls-Nuggets for arguing a no-call and even Bulls announcers Adam Amin and Stacey King are in disbelief.
"The people didn't come to see the officials, let's be honest, they came to see the players."
It's Serbian Heritage Night in… pic.twitter.com/w8ejIp4AMX
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 13, 2023
Why is Jokic famous?
Jokić, who is widely regarded as the greatest passing center in basketball history, guided the Denver Nuggets to the 2023 NBA championship and was awarded two NBA MVP awards (2021–22). The two brothers that introduced Him to basketball were eleven and thirteen years older than him.
How was Nikola Jokic discovered?
Raznatovic claimed that he came about Jokic through a newspaper article that included his stat line from the Serbian U18 competition. Raznatovic signed Jokic without ever seeing him play in person, but only after learning a little bit about his playing style.
Nikola Jokic has been ejected, and fans at the United Center who paid to see him are NOT happy 😳 pic.twitter.com/XXxLrzUa0f
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) December 13, 2023
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