Nikola Jokić

Through a humility and self-deprecating humor that holds true to this day, Nikola Jokić — during a pre-NBA self-assessment in 2014 — famously labeled himself as the type of player who doesn’t “run fast,” nor “jump high.” As his lightning-quick year-by-year trajectory and ascension towards the highest of heights in the NBA’s history books would someday attest, such perceived shortcomings never stood a chance in slowing him down, even from the beginning. Having already drawn scouts' eyes after showcasing potential during Summer League play, the Denver Nuggets’ soon-to-be-superstar requests a post-up against Montrezl Harrell, in hopes of a first-ever NBA bucket. Bringing signature footwork to the end-of-game sequence, Jokić, following a well-sold fake spin, turns over his right shoulder before connecting on a soft touch hook shot to formally introduce himself to the regular-season’s record books. Jokić’s small, two-point, four-minute role ultimately helped Denver crash the party on the Houston Rockets’ home opener on October 28, 2015 through a 20-point win. Finding his role wisely increased thereafter, the Serbian talent tallied a third-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting, immediately sprinkling in brief glimpses of a player who would soon sit among the Association’s all-time elites just a decade later.

Rookie Year

Rookie Premiere