Nikola Jokic is a generational talent. He has taken home three MVP awards while also leading the Denver Nuggets to an NBA title.
Not only is the Serbian superstar a franchise talent in Denver while being one of the best in the NBA — he’s redefining the center position.
As an offensive hub and skilled big man, Jokic has been essential in the Nuggets’ success as a club in recent history.
However, one former NBA champion and superstar knows how he would play against Jokic if he matched up against him during his prime years.
Dwight Howard — who was dominant during his early years in the NBA — is an eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA member and 2020 NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers.
While Howard won his lone title well past his prime, it’s hard to forget what he accomplished in the early stages of his career as he led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals at one point.
How would Howard play Jokic if the two players were squaring off in their prime years? In a recent episode of “7PM in Brooklyn,” Howard gave his answer.
“If he played in the era that we grew up in and we started in, then I’m gonna be on him from the time he get in the game to the end of the game,” Howard said. “Every play, I’m going to the glass, every rim run I’m going to try to get to the front of the rim.”
Prime Dwight Howard vs. MVP Jokic would be must-see-tvđż
“My goal is to tire him out … he’s gonna have a tough time having to deal with me in my prime.” pic.twitter.com/VyLayo2dji
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) February 1, 2025
Howard’s prime was elite. There is not taking that away. He was remarkably athletic. Just as Howard would have had Jokic struggling defensively, the Nuggets star would have done to him with his skill.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic reacts in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Still, Howard’s plan would be simple: get Jokic tired on defense so he wouldn’t have much energy offensively.
“I’m putting as much as I can on him on the offensive end so he won’t just have free rein to do what he want when he get the ball. So now, my goal is to tire him out, make him use as much force as he can to stop me,” Howard said. “And he’s going to have a tough time dealing with me in my prime.”
In theory, it’s not a bad idea. However, Jokic’s IQ and basketball knowledge combined with skill would take away from that idea to a certain extend.
Again, it’s all hypothetical as the two peaked in different eras and have polar opposite skill sets.