Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic reveals why size no longer matters in the low post due to physical defense.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic recently shared a surprising perspective on modern basketball, stating that a physical size advantage no longer exists in today's NBA. Speaking to reporter Bennett Durando of the Denver Post, the star player broke down how officiating changes the game entirely.
The three-time NBA MVP explained that defensive players in the low post are allowed to use excessive force, pushing and grabbing without consequences. According to information published by bleache, this high level of physicality exhausts offensive players quickly during every single possession.
As a result, the Serbian superstar believes traditional low post play is heading toward extinction within the next five to ten years. Despite standing at 6'11 and 284 pounds, the veteran center faces unique defensive strategies, including teams putting smaller defenders on him.
Why low post defense has changed in basketball
Officiating in the National Basketball Association has evolved to permit much more contact in the paint than on the perimeter. Nikola Jokic noted that defenders can push and grab aggressively, making interior scoring grueling and inefficient for big men across the league.
This increased tolerance for physical play drains the energy of offensive players, forcing them to reconsider operating near the basket. Consequently, modern floor spacing and outside shooting have largely replaced traditional back-to-the-basket strategies in the sport.
The future of traditional center play
The extinction of the low post appears imminent as teams prioritize versatility, speed, and shooting over sheer interior mass. Even dominant interior scorers find themselves neutralizing their own physical attributes because referees swallow their whistles in the paint.
Denver Nuggets fans have witnessed these tactical shifts firsthand as opponents deploy smaller, agile defenders to disrupt offensive flow. This strategy highlights the diminished value of traditional size in contemporary basketball tactics.
Nikola Jokic and Denver Nuggets performance
The 31-year-old center has maintained an elite career, finishing first or second in MVP voting for six consecutive seasons and winning a championship in 2023. Between 2021 and 2026, he averaged 26.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game.
However, the current season presents challenges, with his scoring dipping to 23.4 points per contest through seven games. The Denver Nuggets currently hold a 4-3 record, placing them ninth in the Western Conference standings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nikola Jokic believe size matters in the NBA?
No, Nikola Jokic stated that a physical size advantage does not exist in the modern NBA because officials permit heavy pushing and grabbing in the low post.
Why is low post play becoming extinct according to Jokic?
He explained that offensive players get exhausted from uncalled fouls and excessive physicality, predicting the low post will disappear in five to ten years.
What are Nikola Jokic statistics this season?
Through seven games, Nikola Jokic is averaging 23.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game for the Denver Nuggets.
