“I think Nikola Jokic is a great player, but I don’t think his stats are all that,” Horry stated. “He’s got guys around him that are making him look good. I don’t see him as a guy that’s gonna take over a game and carry a team to a championship.”
Horry’s comments have met with mixed reactions. Some analysts agree, noting that Jokic’s teammates, such as Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, often generate scoring opportunities for him. Others have dismissed Horry’s claims, pointing to Jokic’s exceptional passing and playmaking ability.
“Jokic is a unique player,” said former NBA head coach Mike D’Antoni. “He has an uncanny ability to create for others while also scoring efficiently himself. I don’t think his stats are padded at all.”
The Denver Nuggets, Jokic’s team, have declined to comment on Horry’s allegations. However, they pointed to Jokic’s numerous accolades, including two MVP awards and three All-NBA selections, as evidence of his brilliance.
Horry’s remarks come at a time when the NBA is grappling with the issue of stat inflation. In recent years, players have benefited from faster-paced offenses and a greater emphasis on three-pointers. This has led to record-breaking individual performances, but also raised questions about whether true talent is being accurately measured.
It remains to be seen whether Horry’s claims will have any significant impact on Jokic’s reputation. However, they have certainly sparked a debate about the validity of NBA statistics and the true nature of greatness in basketball.
