Rocio Robles
Draymond Green is usually an extroverted guy both on and off the court, but his statements after the Golden State Warriors’ series win over the Denver Nuggets in this NBA postseason showed us an uncharacteristic side of the player, who gave praise to an opponent.
The player had nothing but praise for Nikola Jokic after eliminating the Serbian player from the postseason, and it didn’t just stop with the words: following the Warriors’ 102-98 victory in Game 5 of the series against the Nuggets, the two players were spotted sharing an embrace and having a little talk.
Draymond Green shared some words from his conversation with the Serbian at the press conference after the game.
I just thanked him for making me better. It’s absolutely incredible to play against a guy like him. An incredible, incredible talent. I told him it’s an honor to play against someone so talented and skilled. Usually when you have such talented and skilled kids, they tend to be a little soft. He is far, far from being like that. He is an absolutely incredible player.
Draymond Green at Press Conference
Draymond Green’s words are well-founded, as Nikola Jokic was largely responsible for the Warriors not rolling over the Nuggets in the series. The Serbian player averaged 31 points, 13.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists during the five games between the two teams, as he continues to earn the merits to once again establish himself as MVP.
Draymond Green believes the Serbian can be chosen again
Jokic is the reigning NBA MVP after winning the award in 2021, and Draymond Green has no doubt that the Nuggets center has the merits to repeat.
He is an absolutely incredible player. It’s the reason he was MVP last year, and probably the reason why he’s going to be MVP again this year.
Draymond Green to NBC Sports after Warriors win
Not only Green believes that the Serbian can win the award again, but also the bookmakers, which have Jokic rated as a favorite to win the crown again. After a slew of injuries to his teammates, the Nuggets’ center has been a one-man army this season, and he’s a huge reason Denver has kept afloat in the Western Conference.
In addition, he became the first player in NBA history to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a single season. If this isn’t worthy of paying him a tribute like someone as stubborn as Draymond Green did, then there’s no telling what else the Serbian needs to prove his credentials.
Jokic has the option to sign a five-year, $250 million-plus contract this summer with the Nuggets, which would be the most lucrative contract given to any player in NBA history, and if he can maintain this level, that money would be more than paid off. In addition to this, the fans in Denver will be more than happy to continue counting on him and his charisma.
