In December, long-time level guard Goran Dragic introduced his retirement from the NBA after 15 seasons with seven franchises. On Saturday, Dragic took the courtroom for one final time throughout a farewell recreation in his native Slovenia that was crammed with present and former stars.
Denver Nuggets heart Nikola Jokic was a type of who took half, and the three-time MVP placed on a present for the followers. In shock style, it got here by way of a dunk, one which he arrange himself. As an alternative of helping a teammate, Jokic threw himself an alley-oop off the backboard, a lot to everybody’s delight.
Jokic is many issues, however a excessive flyer shouldn’t be one in every of them. His 17 dunks in 79 video games final season had been tied for 182nd within the league, and behind the likes of Trey Jemison, Anthony Black and teammate Christian Braun. On almost all of them, Jokic barely obtained above the rim.
When he actually must, although, Jokic can stand up there. And apparently Dragic’s tribute recreation was a type of instances. The alley-oop wasn’t the one enjoyable Jokic was having on Saturday. He additionally pranked Luka Doncic by pouring water on him throughout a timeout, danced with Boban Marjanovic and hit a one-legged 3-pointer.
All informed, this has been an thrilling summer season for Jokic. Only a few weeks in the past, he almost led Serbia to a historic upset of Crew USA within the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, then bounced again to safe a bronze medal. Afterwards, he partied for what appeared like days together with his Serbian teammates.
Quickly, it will likely be time for Jokic to show his consideration again to the Nuggets. Media day for the workforce is strictly one month away, after which it will likely be off to Abu Dhabi for a pair of exhibition video games towards the defending champion Boston Celtics. Their common season marketing campaign will start on Oct. 24 versus the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
