DENVER: Nikola Jokic can cap an improbable journey to the pinnacle of his sport by leading the Denver Nuggets to a first ever championship when the NBA Finals get under way on Thursday (Friday in Manila).
Nine years ago, the softly spoken Serbian center barely caused a murmur of attention when the Nuggets chose him with the 41st overall pick in the draft.That selection was so low-key that it was not even broadcast live; instead, viewers watching the NBA draft were shown a commercial for a popular fast-food chain.
'Lacking 'It' factor?Yet while the likes of James and Durant embrace Jokic as a member of the league's elite, the 6ft 11in , 284-pound Serb continues to be the subject of sniping.Some critics say his triple-double prowess is the result of 'stat-padding,' while others accuse him of lacking true star power.'Jokic can win this championship and no one's going to care,' former Washington Wizards player Gilbert Arenas said recently.'Let's just be honest.
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