Video: Nikola Jokić Throws Down Alley-Oop Off Backboard at Goran Dragić Farewell Game
Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRT
Featured Columnist IVAugust 24, 2024
Nikola Jokić is a three-time MVP because of his potent three-level scoring, elite playmaking and consistent rebounding.
Turns out he has some hops, too.
The Denver Nuggets superstar tossed himself an alley-oop off the backboard during Goran Dragić's farewell game in Ljubljana, Slovenia on Saturday:
The Dragić testimonial is a star-studded affair that also includes Luka Dončić, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Bogdan Bogdanović, Robin Lopez, Josh Richardson and Nikola Vučević, while Chris Bosh attended as a spectator.
Marc Stein @TheSteinLineFirst names in their respective starting lineups for Saturday night's Goran Dragic testimonial game in Ljubljana: Dragic goes with his mentor Steve Nash — who is apparently indeed playing at age 50 — and Luka Doncic names Nikola Jokic.<br><br>More NBA from me: <a href="https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq">https://t.co/A6ycVmnrjq</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q0ccMiUKMC">pic.twitter.com/Q0ccMiUKMC</a>
Marc Stein @TheSteinLineThe Dragic Testimonial Match is being shown tomorrow afternoon US time on the NBA app with details below via my Ljubljana tour guide Professor <a href="https://twitter.com/iztok_franko?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iztok_franko</a>. <br><br>Dragic says he and Nash will play up-tempo. Luka says his team is going inside all day to Jokic, Scola and <a href="https://twitter.com/rolopez42?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rolopez42</a>. <a href="https://t.co/ivVYHiXx20">https://t.co/ivVYHiXx20</a>
Dragić, who retired in Dec. 2023, is also having his No. 3 jersey retired on the international level by Slovenia.
"Words and actions are not enough to express gratitude and respect for such a great player as Goran Dragic," Matej Erjavec, the president of the Basketball Federation of Slovenia, said in a statement. "His extraordinary career, his approach to wearing the jersey of the Slovenian national team, and his success on the court speak for themselves. Goran Dragic deserves to be honored for everything he has done for Slovenian basketball. Retiring the jersey No. 3 is a gesture for the Basketball Federation of Slovenia to show our deep respect for him."
Jokić's going-away present for Dragić was a little bit of above-the-rim sauce.
