Nikola Jokic isn't worried about racking up fouls.
The supreme talent and physicality that Nikola Jokic possesses can be both a blessing and a curse.
The blessing is obviously that he's risen to become one of the greatest players in the NBA today, if not the greatest, with three MVP awards to his name. As a point-center, he can affect the floor inside the paint, facilitate plays for his teammates and even be the occasional weapon from three.
The curse is that being that good with the size that he has makes him the undisputed target for opposing defenses anytime that he steps foot on the court. That extra attention makes things harder for him physically on the offensive end, but his size can also work against him when it comes to the way that he plays defense.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball as Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (21) guards in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesThe Risks of Hard Defense
The Denver Nuggets came away with a 116-93 win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday for the team's sixth-straight win and the overall defensive effort of the Nuggets, but particularly that of Jokic, was a big reason behind the way that the team was able to shut down Golden State.
How hard that Jokic played defense though raised concerns for head coach David Adelman, though, who expressed after the game that Jokic won't be able to defend as hard as he did against the Warriors all the time, especially in the second half, as that can put him into foul trouble in times where the Nuggets will need him most.
Golden State Warriors guard Pat Spencer (61) controls the ball under pressure from Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and guard Christian Braun (0) in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesWhen Jokic heard the concerns, through, he wasn't worried about the potential for foul trouble and, in his typical way, wrote off the idea of foul trouble as something both of out of his control and something where he'll have good days and bad days.
"It happens sometimes. Sometimes, you have energy. Sometimes you don't have energy. Sometimes you make stupid fouls. It happens," Jokic said (via Nuggets).
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) attempts a shot as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) guards in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesHow Much Has Jokic Been Fouling?
Granted, Jokic wasn't actually in foul trouble at all against the Warriors. He finished the game with just three personal fouls, scoring 25 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in the process.
Jokic's average personal fouls per game are up slightly this season, from 2.3 per game last season 2.8 this season. Considering how much of a target he's been, that efficiency when it comes to limiting his fouls is another testament to the skill and restraint that Jokic possesses.
Adelman was just expressing his concerns about keeping his best player in games, but between Jokic's response and the numbers, there may be nothing to worry about.