Nikola Jokic‘s quick rise to prominence in the NBA has prompted parallels to a number of all-time greats. Recently, Aaron Gordon elevated it by making comparisons between the legendary Larry Bird and his Denver Nuggets teammate. While disclosing how much of an influence the Serbian had on how the games turned out, the 28-year-old even referred to him as a cheat code.
Gordon said that the Nuggets players were always conscious of where their teammates were at all times during his most recent interview on SiriusXM NBA Radio. He forced the opposition to turn against him by emphasizing how Jokic had mastered this technique in the process.
As a result, the rest of the team had more possibilities to score and the talisman could freely maneuver the opposition’s defense.
Gordon thought that this style of play was similar to what Bird had done with the Boston Celtics in the 1980s. He stated that after comparing these two incredible athletes,
“He [Nikola Jokic] is like 7ft 1″, 7ft 2″ Larry Bird. He is Larry but taller, bigger, and stronger. He is a cheat code for sure”.
"He's a straight master when it comes to basketball"
Aaron Gordon gives high praise to teammate Nikola Jokić #Road2Gold #NBAPlayoffs
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There was a certain weight to the comparison, even with the great compliments. Bird, at his prime, made basketball appear like a simple sport. From scoring goals at will to providing his teammates with special assistance. On the court, Larry Legend seemed to be able to do whatever he pleased at times. It’s interesting to note that Jokic is viewed similarly by NBA fans now, supporting the comparison.
Thus, this was not the first time that these two talismans were grouped together.