Dirk Nowitzki is undoubtedly one of the NBA’s best players after he triumphed over a LeBron James-led Miami Heat in the 2011 Finals. But if Charles Barkley is to be believed, Denver Nuggets All-Star center Nikola Jokic as surpassed the Dallas Mavericks legend when it comes to the best foreign players in the league.
Jokic first entered the league as the Nuggets 41st pick in the 2014 Draft. Initially he played from the bench as a backup center with averages of 10.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. The Serbian big man would eventually place third in the Rookie of the Year race that season, which was ultimately won by Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns.
Since then, Jokic has evolved into one of the more unique players in the league’s modern era. Unlike traditional big men, the Joker showed incredible playmaking and high basketball intellect to go along with an improving talent for scoring. The end result is an big man who can set up the offense with deadly efficiency.
For his part, Nowitzki spent 20 years in the NBA as the Mavericks’ franchise player. During that run, the German All-Star averaged 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Apart from becoming champion in 2011, he also won Finals MVP, one regular season MVP, and was named to 14 All-Star Games.
Charles Barkley Says Nikola Jokic Has Surpassed Dirk Nowitzki as GOAT Foreign Player
In a recent interview, NBA legend said Jokic has surpassed Nowitzki as the greatest foreign star to ever play in the league. In a video shared by Club Shay Shay on X:
Charles Barkley Says Nikola Jokić Is Better Than @swish41 – Do You Agree?
“Dirk, up until Joker, he was the greatest foreign player ever.” pic.twitter.com/ETwAJIlhRA
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) May 5, 2024
As compared to Nowitzki, the Nuggets All-Star big man has won more MVPs and boast a more diverse set of skills than the German forward. Plus, Jokic is still in the prime of his career and is considered the best player in the NBA right now.
It remains to be seen what Jokic’s career will be after he retires from the league. But with the way he’s playing right now, he’s already making a strong case as the best foreign star to ever play in the league.
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