Nikola Jokic has had a wonderful run of his basketball career since he was introduced into the game by his two elder brothers. Jokic who will be stepping into his tenth season in the league, is one of the greatest talents of his time. He is widely regarded as the best passing center in the sport’s existence.
Looking at his beautiful career with the Nuggets who drafted him back in 2014 and what he achieved for the club and individually so far. Meanwhile, it’s quite certain every beginning has an end. But Austin Rivers had some really bold predictions to make regarding the NBA star’s projected retirement.
Austin Rivers sparks Nikola Jokic retirement rumors with bold prediction
Nikola Jokic is currently considered one of the best players globally. The duration for which he will retain this title remains uncertain. Although his skills appear capable of lasting well into his late 30s, Austin Rivers believes that the Denver Nuggets superstar won’t be in the NBA at that time.
Considering a report by Bill Simmons in conversation with Austin Rivers, the reporter asked him if he sees Jokic playing the beautiful game of basketball for a longer time. Rivers made a bold prediction saying, “Nope. No chance”
Considering the age of Nikola Jokic, Rivers believes that he will only be able to play for the next 4 – 5 years and not play till he is 39 years old. As reported by Bill Simmons, Austin River said, “I have him playing another 5 – 6 years, I don’t want to say anything more on that because I don’t want to like put his………. I don’t see him playing in the NBA until he is 39 years old.”
Austin Rivers puts Nikola Jokic on top of his NBA list
The Timberwolves star Austin Rivers has been very controversial recently following his online banter with Miles Bridges. However, he also shared his view in a recent podcast episode when questioned about his top 7 players in the NBA at the moment. He did not just stop at predicting the retirement age of Nikola Jokic but also rated him high in his seven-star list of best players in the NBA.
Rivers’ top 7 NBA players in the league active at the moment are Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum and LeBron James.
“Those are my best seven players in the NBA. The LeBron one could be questionable for a lot of people at his age right now but like he just still so dominant in the game.”, Rivers said.
It could be because Austin Rivers has shared the stage with Nikola Jokic during his time at the Denver Nuggets which could have influenced his choice of best players.
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