“Jokic is just everywhere” — Jeff Green compares LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic
Jeff Green #JeffGreen
Denver Nuggets veteran Jeff Green has played with three all-time greats: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic. He broke down the differences and similarities between the three players and reveals the right way to play with them.
Basketball legends
“Look at all three, the basketball IQ — off the charts,” Green said. “All are workhorses. They all study their craft, and they all believe in what they do. All-Stars, All-NBA, whatever accolades they’ve received, they deserve. The work they put in, I’ve seen it firsthand. The work they put in is unmatched. And they put themselves in a great position to be called the best in the game.”
Green is also aware of the chatter surrounding Jokic and his place in the game. Green believes that if they win the 2023 NBA Championship, Jokic will undoubtedly be considered the best player in the game today.
Different playstyles
Many have praised Green for being an excellent role player and a good locker-room guy. He was teammates with Kevin Durant during his early years with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, he was teammates with LeBron for one season in Cleveland when they went to the NBA Finals. For the past two seasons, he’s been with the Serbian center.
“I like to think of myself as a high IQ player as well,” Green said. “For me, it’s all about the reads. It’s all about finding the open spots. Obviously, all three are different in their ways and how they attack the game. KD is more of the iso on the wing player, you know, mid-post. LeBron, when he has the ball, he’s more on the perimeter back then. Now, he’s more both. He’s in the post, he’s on the wing. Nikola is everywhere. For me, it’s all about reads. It’s about studying the guy.”
There’s no denying that Green knows the game and how it should be played. There’s a good reason why he’s been in the NBA for 15 years. Teams know about his professionalism and the impact he brings. Bring someone like Jeff Green, and you’re bound to be a contending team.