Nuggets GM Calvin Booth: Nikola Jokic Developed Into An All-Timer Quickly

Nuggets GM Calvin Booth may not get enough credit, but he doesn’t seem to mind. After all, Denver selected Nikola Jokic with the No. 41 overall pick in 2014, long before Booth ever arrived.

He was actually working in the Timberwolves’ front office when Jokic was drafted. Booth became Nuggets GM after last season, when Tim Connelly left to run the Wolves.

But Booth is a former NBA center, and he keeps a close eye on big men. He has witnessed the rise of Jokic firsthand.

“He’s developed into an all-timer in a rapid amount of time,” Booth told Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports. “When I got here, there were a lot of big guys over him. And now there’s not.”

In 15 playoff games this season, Jokic is only averaging a triple-double — 29.9 points, 13.3 rebounds and a whopping 10.3 assists. He was named Western Conference playoffs MVP for his efforts. This comes after winning back-to-back league MVPs in 2021 and ’22.

“I think he’s showing other people nationally that he’s real. Like what he’s doing is real,” coach Michael Malone said, via Wind. “The MVPs are real. The triple-doubles are real. The narratives, the silly narratives this year are just what, silly and somewhat ignorant. He’s a great player, and give him the respect he deserves.”

Jokic and the Nuggets begin their quest for the first championship in franchise history on June 1 vs. either the Celtics or Heat.

A playoff run like no one has ever seen.

Congrats, Joker ? pic.twitter.com/ZJpEbSMgXu

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 23, 2023