ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) on X: “I don’t even remember a conversation about Nikola Jokic [during the draft process]. That’s probably why I’m sitting here with you.” — Bob Myers 😅
So many big GMs overlooked Jokic it’s almost funny
during that draft, I was writing for Roundball Mining Company and therefore had media credentials, so I was in the room when Tim Connelly answered post-draft questions.
People had a ton of questions about Nurk and Garris, as expected, including one reporter (IIRC for Yahoo Sports) who was salty about trading McBuckets. And then when the room got quiet, Tim says “someone needs to ask me about our second round pick.” So one of the reporters says “tell me about this guy you picked in the second round” and then he started gushing. He knew he found a gem. He didn’t know he found a 3-time MVP, FMVP, greatest player in franchise history. But he knew he’d hit on a player who would be well above expectation for a 41st pick. His whole attitude made it clear that he knew other GMs had messed up by not making a move to get into the 30s and grabbing Jokic.
By comparison, after the Lyles/Lydon draft, Tim looked defeated. He knew he whiffed when OG went off the board.
FernBlueEyes
Nuggets should send this person a gift basket and a TY card lol. Worked out well for us. We love Nikola Jokić.
TheyMadeMeLogin
I think the story goes that Jokic was going to pull out of the draft due to lack of interest and the Nuggets convinced him to stay in because they planned on drafting him.
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during that draft, I was writing for Roundball Mining Company and therefore had media credentials, so I was in the room when Tim Connelly answered post-draft questions.
People had a ton of questions about Nurk and Garris, as expected, including one reporter (IIRC for Yahoo Sports) who was salty about trading McBuckets. And then when the room got quiet, Tim says “someone needs to ask me about our second round pick.” So one of the reporters says “tell me about this guy you picked in the second round” and then he started gushing. He knew he found a gem. He didn’t know he found a 3-time MVP, FMVP, greatest player in franchise history. But he knew he’d hit on a player who would be well above expectation for a 41st pick. His whole attitude made it clear that he knew other GMs had messed up by not making a move to get into the 30s and grabbing Jokic.
By comparison, after the Lyles/Lydon draft, Tim looked defeated. He knew he whiffed when OG went off the board.
Nuggets should send this person a gift basket and a TY card lol. Worked out well for us. We love Nikola Jokić.
I think the story goes that Jokic was going to pull out of the draft due to lack of interest and the Nuggets convinced him to stay in because they planned on drafting him.