It is officially 2022 but it feels more like 1995 when discussing the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers.
Today’s NBA is all about guard play. Everyone wants to shoot the ball like Stephen Curry. They dream of having handles like Kyrie Irving. They wish for the IQ of Chris Paul and the athleticism of Ja Morant. Imagine having the vision of Luka Doncic and LaMelo Ball or the range of Damian Lillard and Trae Young.
Even before then it was all about having long, dominant wings like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. As the game has evolved, so too have some of the great big men in the league. Some have adapted and honed their craft better than others, but there are two players that stand out above the rest.
Nikola Jokic made a statement last season by winning the regular-season MVP award. Denver’s talented center was doing everything and making it happen on a nightly basis. There was no load management or reward for playing…