DeMarcus Cousins Praises Nikola Jokic’s Dominance and Legacy
Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins had high praise for his ex-teammate Nikola Jokic, calling him one of the most dominant players in basketball today. Jokic, a three-time MVP and 2023 NBA champion, has cemented himself as one of the best centers in NBA history, a sentiment Cousins echoed during a recent appearance on FanDuel TV’s Run it Back Show.
“He’s Not a Chump”
Cousins, who briefly played alongside Jokic with the Denver Nuggets, highlighted the Serbian superstar’s resilience:
“He’s not a pushover. He’s not a chump. He’s not afraid of the moment…. Your only chance of beating him is actually just beating him. And that’s easier said than done.”
Cousins went on to claim that if Jokic wins another championship, he could crack the top five all-time players, noting that Jokic already deserves a spot in the top 10.
Dominance on Display
Jokic’s 2024 MVP-winning season underscores his greatness. Through 13 games, he’s averaged 29.7 points, 13.4 rebounds, 10.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 55.9% from the field and 52.7% from beyond the arc. These numbers solidify his status as a perennial force in the league.
Cousins’ Earlier Take
Interestingly, Cousins had previously expressed reservations about Jokic’s third MVP award due to the lack of postseason success at the time. Speaking on the Shoebasketball podcast, Cousins remarked:
“I am not okay with it being 3 MVPs in a row because then it becomes a conversation, ‘Is this the best basketball player to ever touch a basketball?’ I think we can all agree that he’s not. He has not won anything, he hasn’t been to the Finals.”
Jokic silenced critics in 2023 by leading the Nuggets to their first NBA title, proving his worth as a champion and a deserving MVP.
Looking Ahead
As Jokic continues to dominate in the 2024-25 season, his legacy grows. With Cousins and others acknowledging his place among the greats, the Nuggets star is well on his way to solidifying his place in NBA history.
