Part quarterback and part wizard, Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is a passing savant.
Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder said he might be the best passer in the league, regardless of position. And that was before he carved the Jazz defense like a pumpkin for 16 assists.
Jokic will loft passes to his teammates on fly routes, whip passes to any teammate who wants to cut hard or deftly drop passes to confident shooters, liberated by screens set by his massive frame. Jokic is the engine that makes the Nuggets’ offense go. It’s why Jamal Murray, an optimal two guard, can be disguised as a point guard.