Playing Like Jokic -- the new NBA

In soccer it was "Bend it like Beckam" -- in the NBA these days, it's Jam like Jokic.

Or pass like Jokic, board like Jokic, shoot like Jokic, pick and roll like Jokic.  The Serbian big man for the remodeled Denver Nuggets is the hottest thing in hardwood, and he is literally changing the game. And the Denver Post Nuggets Journal reports the smooth center has a growing legion of disciples in the league as, "the kids want to play like Jokic." That's the sign of greatness.

Nikola Jokic’s original disciple has outgrown the infant label.

Alperen Sengun is a fully formed All-Star by now, a synthesis of skill, strength and smarts at the center of the only NBA offense better than Denver’s.

“Baby Jokic” is his own person now, Actual Jokic declared this week.

“He’s talented. I think people are connecting (me) with him, but we are different types of player,” Jokic said. “He’s an amazing player. You can see some similarities, but I don’t want people to see him and tell me he’s something like me. I think that he’s a good enough player to have his own story.”