Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic believes traditional low-post basketball could largely disappear from the NBA within the next five to 10 years because of the physical contact defenders are allowed to use.
The three-time MVP discussed the issue after recording 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in three quarters during Denver’s 128-109 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
“I think defenders on the low post, officials are letting them do much more, be much more physical, much more pushing, much more grabbing than if you’re playing outside,” Jokic said.
The Serbian center argued that players operating near the basket frequently absorb contact without receiving foul calls, making post play increasingly demanding.
“I think that’s why players are not willing to play in the low post anymore,” he explained. “Just because you’re gonna get fouled, and it’s never gonna get called, and you’re getting tired, tired, after possession.”
Jokic believes those conditions could eventually discourage future generations from developing traditional interior scoring skills.
“I think in probably the next five, 10 years, low post is not gonna even be really out there.”
