Jokic predicts low-post play will vanish from the NBA within a decade

Nikola Jokic told reporters on Wednesday that the traditional low-post game is likely to disappear from the NBA within five to ten years. He made the prediction after the Denver Nuggets defeated the Toronto Raptors 128-109.

Jokic credited the shift to changing defensive tactics and officiating standards. He said defenders in the paint are now allowed to be much more physical, which discourages players from trying to score near the basket. He noted that referees are letting big men push, grab, and wrestle in the post more than they do when players operate outside the arc.

The Raptors tested this new defensive approach against the Nuggets on Wednesday. They used forwards Collin Murray-Boyles and Scottie Barnes to guard Jokic instead of a traditional center. This tactic is becoming more common as teams seek to match Jokic with smaller, quicker defenders rather than larger opponents.

Jokic was still effective against the smaller frontcourt. He recorded 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists through the first three quarters. The Nuggets dominated in the paint, outscoring Toronto by 76 points to 46 in that area of the floor. This performance contrasted with his season average of 12 points in the paint per game leading up to Wednesday's contest.

The Serbian center explained that he enjoys the physical aspect of post play but finds it difficult to sustain over a full season. He said he has wrestled with his brothers since he was a child and likes the physical contact. However, he noted that the current level of physicality in the league makes the post a tough place to operate for most players.

Jokic said he is not trying to complain about the lack of fouls called in the paint. He simply observed that the style of play has changed several times in the last decade. He said the league moved from traditional big men to small-ball, then to versatile players who can do everything. He expects the style to change again in the next five years.

The 31-year-old center has adapted his game to include screens, three-point shots, and pick-and-roll handling. He said offense still has the advantage in any scenario. He believes the league is getting better at being physical, which will continue to shape how teams defend and play in the future.