Ever wondered what makes NBA giants like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid so extraordinary? Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla has some truly wild comparisons, linking their on-court brilliance to completely different sports! You won’t believe which ones. What unexpected parallels do you see in sports?
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has offered a fascinating and unconventional lens through which to view the unique brilliance of two of the NBA’s most dominant centers, Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. Moving beyond traditional basketball analysis, Mazzulla delves into their respective athletic pasts, drawing intriguing parallels to completely different sports that underscore their extraordinary on-court prowess and distinct playstyles, providing unique insights into their athletic genius.
In a revealing discussion on the “Games with Names” podcast, Mazzulla articulated how watching Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic evokes the imagery of a water polo player. This unexpected player comparison highlights Jokic’s remarkable agility, ball-handling finesse, and seemingly effortless command within crowded spaces on the basketball court. His ability to palm the ball, execute one-touch passes in mid-air, and maintain control amidst physical defense mirrors the demanding movements and strategic passing required in water polo, where players constantly navigate tight quarters while managing the ball.
The Boston Celtics coach elaborated on the specific attributes that connect Nikola Jokic to the aquatic sport. Mazzulla pointed to the Serbian MVP’s distinctive way of handling the basketball, often with one hand, and his unparalleled vision for quick, precise passes, a hallmark of water polo players. Furthermore, Jokic’s incredible body control and comfort with opponents draped over him—a necessity in both water polo and the demanding NBA paint—underscores the depth of this insightful basketball analysis.
Mazzulla’s analytical eye didn’t stop with Jokic. He extended his sports analogies to Philadelphia 76ers MVP Joel Embiid, suggesting that Embiid’s formidable presence and footwork on the court are heavily influenced by his background in soccer. This perspective sheds light on how Embiid, a player of imposing size, exhibits a surprising level of grace, agility, and precision that distinguishes him from many traditional big men in the league.
The coach highlighted Embiid’s exceptional footwork, the angles he creates for scoring and defending, and his remarkable hand-eye coordination as direct derivatives of his early soccer training. These skills, honed on the pitch, translate seamlessly to the basketball court, enabling Embiid to execute complex post moves, drive to the basket with surprising fluidity, and maintain balance while drawing contact, making him a truly unique force in the modern NBA.
These NBA player comparisons from Joe Mazzulla offer more than just clever observations; they provide a deeper understanding of how diverse athletic foundations contribute to the development of elite basketball talent. By looking beyond the confines of basketball, Mazzulla reveals the interconnectedness of athletic skills and how experiences in one sport can profoundly shape success in another, especially at the pinnacle of professional competition.
Mazzulla’s insights serve as a testament to his keen strategic mind and his ability to identify the nuanced elements that define greatness in players like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. His ability to connect seemingly disparate sports to the complexities of NBA play not only makes for compelling discussion but also enriches the appreciation for the multifaceted athletic gifts these superstars possess.
Ultimately, these unique player comparisons illuminate the exceptional adaptability and foundational athletic skills possessed by Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. Mazzulla’s perspective encourages fans and analysts alike to consider the broader athletic journey of players, recognizing how their formative experiences outside of basketball can be just as crucial to their unparalleled success and enduring legacy in the league.
