Nikola Jokic, who was selected as the 41st pick in the 2012 NBA draft, hilariously embarrassed Deandre Ayton.
Deandre Ayton and Nikola Jokic. (Image via SI)
Given Jokic’s size and stature, many people wouldn’t immediately consider him capable of executing the more complex skills seen in basketball. However, that’s exactly how the Joker surprises people.
During the recent victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, the talented Serbian made Ayton his latest victim. Ayton, who was the number 1 pick in the 2018 NBA draft, was matched up against Jokic, who was the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft.
On paper, there should only be one winner. However, in reality, the Serbian is a two-time MVP, an NBA champion without a superteam, and a delight to watch. In a comical twist of events during the second quarter, Jokic displayed his basketball IQ with a pump fake that left Ayton completely bewildered.
The move was so convincing that Ayton raised his hand to contest a shot he believed was coming. In a moment of pure hilarity, he even directed his attention towards the basket, expecting the trajectory of the ball. Little did he know that he had fallen victim to one of Jokic’s signature maneuvers.
To Ayton’s surprise, instead of releasing the anticipated shot, Jokic smoothly drove past him towards the basket. As expected, this hilarious play elicited a range of reactions from fans.
This amusing play is just another highlight from a season that is proving to be incredibly exciting. Nikola Jokic is once again one of the frontrunners for the MVP award, although the rest of the season will also play a significant role.
With averages of 26.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game in 49 games, Jokic has firmly established himself as the best player in the NBA. The fact that this moment occurred against Deandre Ayton tells another story. Jokic wasn’t expected to perform anywhere near as well as he has in the league. Nevertheless, here are some reactions from fans:
Ayton has been one of the biggest disappointments of the past decade.
Ayton showing off his lack of defensive awareness. This is what a max player looks like!
He’s a supermax player, by the way.
He just keeps improving.
🤣🤣 Deandre Ayton clearly doesn’t enjoy basketball; he’s just there for the paycheck.
Ayton: “I’m a MAX player though…”
He’s unstoppable, even though he seems to play in slow motion.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Jokic dunk.
On the other hand, Ayton was expected to take over and was highly regarded as a young talent when he first entered the league. However, the situation has completely reversed in just a few seasons, with Jokic leaving Ayton in the dust.