Nuggets' Nikola Jokic Explains Why 'Size Advantage' Doesn't Exist in Modern NBA

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić is arguably the best player in the NBA, but despite being 6'11" and 284 pounds, he doesn't believe his size actually gives him an advantage.

Speaking to Bennett Durando of the Denver Post , Jokić divulged why he feels that way and why he sees low post play going extinct in the NBA in the not-too-distant future.

"To be honest, in today's NBA, I think there is no size advantage," Jokić said. "Just because in the low post, we have a lot of defenders or players in the post on the defensive side [who] can do much more pushing, grabbing, whatever. … I think defenders on the low post, officials are letting them do much more, be much more physical, much more pushing, much [more grabbing than if you're playing outside.

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"I think that's why players are not willing to play in the low post anymore. Just because you're gonna get fouled, and it's never gonna get called, and you're getting tired, tired, after possession. I think that's why the low post is kind of in the 'end zone.' Like, I think in probably [in the] next five, 10 years, low post is not gonna even be really out there. That's why people are trying to put smaller [defenders on me]."

The 31-year-old Jokić has finished first or second in the NBA MVP voting in each of the past six seasons. The three-time NBA MVP also won an NBA championship and NBA Finals MVP Award in 2023.

His level of consistent dominance as an interior player hasn't often been seen in the NBA over the past couple of decades, which makes him uniquely qualified to speak on where he sees things going regarding post play.

Despite his belief that officiating has made it far more difficult to play in the post, Jokić has thrived, averaging 26.9 points, 12.4 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game from 2021 to 2026.

This season has been a bit more of a struggle, though, which could be part of the reason for the Serbian superstar's comments.

His scoring average of 23.4 points per game through seven contests is his lowest since the 2019-20, plus he is averaging 9.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game after averaging double figures in those categories each of the previous two seasons.

Denver has also had some struggles as a team overall, going 4-3 thus far, which is only good for ninth place in the Western Conference.

Given that Jokić has led the Nuggets to the playoffs in eight straight seasons, they do figure to turn things around soon, although it is unclear if that would do anything to change Jokić's outlook regarding the future of post play.