Hakeem Olajuwon talks about what makes Nikola Jokic unique in the NBA

Hakeem Olajuwon says that Nikola Jokic is the only big man that reminds him the days when he played. Joel Embiid’s frequent use of three-pointers is settling, the legend says but it’s natural, he says.

Hakeem Olajuwon is known as probably the best post player in NBA history. He’s a two-time NBA champion, he was the league’s MVP in 1994. Now he’s usually asked to mentor the up-and-coming big men and teach them the tricks that earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Talking with Sports Illustrated, Olajuwon admitted that Nikola Jokic is the only player that has stayed true to the principles that were dominant during the NBA legend’s time in the league.

“He’s playing the game, and you think he’s not serious, but he’s so effective,” Olajuwon said. “He doesn’t look strong, but I see he gets such a deep post position. I think maybe it’s the mismatch, but then he does the same thing against bigger guys. His shot, his fakes, they are very difficult to time. You don’t know when he’s faking and when it’s real. He has tricks!”

“He’s the one,” Olajuwon said.

Jokic is often compared with Joel Embiid. There are numerous NBA fans that think Embiid should have gotten the MVP trophy last year over the Serbian center. Olajuwon says the Philadelphia 76ers star has a weakness in his game.

“He’s got all the moves, but leveraging the moves is different. Why would he be shooting threes? He has the advantage every night, and if I have the advantage, I’m going to wear you out. That’s settling! When I’m tired, I settle,” Olajuwon explained. “You don’t settle when you’re trying to win. You don’t start the game settling!”

Despite the comment, Olajuwon understands why the game has changed. He admits that the way the game used to be played is not that appealing, even to the centers that made it the trademark of the 90s.

“The traditional big-man game is boring! I didn’t want to play center. I wanted to handle the ball like the guards,” Hakeem told. “When I played in the summertime, I got the rebound and I didn’t want to pass to the guard. I’m bringing it down! I’m freelancing! That’s more fun. You’re more engaged in the game.”

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