Inspired by Tim Tebow, Jarnell Stokes takes nothing for granted at Nuggets training camp

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OMAHA — Jarnell Stokes finds himself at Nuggets training camp fresh off a season to remember with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the D-League. Stokes was a dominating interior presence as he led the Skyforce to a 40-10 regular season record and a 2-1 series victory in the league finals against the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

The Skyforce broke the D-League record for wins in a season largely thanks to Stokes averaging a team-high 20.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. His governance of the floor enabled Stokes to be named the league’s most valuable player, an honor that would only build momentum for him heading into the summer.

In the playoffs, he took his game to another level as Sioux Falls swept both Westchester and Canton on their way to the finals this past spring. Stokes shot 77 percent from the floor while averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds per game in the finals with a performance in game three that saw him score 25 points on 11-12 shooting to compliment his 12 rebounds in the Skyforce’s 91-63 championship clinching victory. Not surprisingly, he was named the finals’ Most Valuable Player as he capped off a season to remember.

“I met a lot of great people [in Sioux Falls],” Stokes told BSN Denver after practice Thursday. “A lot of people who were somewhat in my shoes, [both] on the coaching staff and players on my team, and guys who would die to be in my shoes – in which I was not as happy in at the time.”

Despite the Skyforce’s success, the 6-foot-9 bruiser had a burning desire to make it back to the Association. He spent time with the Memphis Grizzlies in each of the past two seasons, even starting two games during the 2014-2015 season in between playing with the Grizzlies D-League affiliate Iowa Energy.

After being traded to Miami last year, Stokes was assigned to the Skyforce (the Heat’s D-League affiliate). The 22-year-old dominated the D-League and appeared in five games for the Heat. In February he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, who released him the next day.

A week later Sioux Falls acquired Stokes and he never looked back.

“That season meant a lot to me because not only did we win, but the way we did it,” said Stokes reflectively. “We dominated each and every game and that was something special. We were able to come out and play through all the travel. Some days we weren’t even able to have pregame meals and we still found energy. It was a true test of character and after going through that I can truly say that I deserve to be here.”

Speaking of here, Stokes is already feeling a connection to Denver, evident by the “Straight Outta Denver” hooded sweatshirt he wore after practice Thursday. “I really like it in Denver,” he says with a smile on his face, “it’s a great place.”

He’s followed the Broncos for awhile, especially when a former quarterback was under center. “I’m disappointed that Tim Tebow isn’t with the guys anymore but I’m rooting for Trevor Siemian for sure,” Stokes said. Curious, I ask if he is a fan of Tebow. He replies: “Yeah, I was pretty into the whole Tebow run. I know a lot of guys weren’t in Denver but he did some pretty inspiring things.”

Stokes knows that it will take an inspired effort to beat out the other five players vying for the Nuggets 15th and final roster spot. Denver has brought Stokes onto the roster with no guarantees, only the opportunity to compete and once again prove himself.

“I’m a tough-minded guy that’s very efficient in what I do,” Stokes said. “I have a big mindset with a strong body but I have guard-like skill work. So with the big mindset, I like to use guard moves. That being said, I just try and make the right play, rebound and play hard. And I feel like these are the things that Denver does.”

On a roster filled with young and promising talent, Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly and coach Michael Malone face a difficult decision on which of the six players vying for the final roster spot to keep around when the preseason concludes. However, Stokes doesn’t seem worried about his bubble status. He only seems appreciative of where he’s been and hopeful that the future will keep him in Denver.