Nuggets training camp capsules: Nikola Jokic

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In the buildup to training camp beginning Sept. 27, BSN Denver is profiling the Nuggets roster player by player, reflecting on their performance last year and what they have to prove in training camp, preseason, and throughout the regular season to have a productive 2016-17 campaign.

Player Profile

Nikola Jokic, 6-foot-10, 250 pounds

2015-16 season averages: 80 games (55 starts), 21.7 minutes, 10.0 points (51.2 FG%, 33.3 3P%), 7.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 blocks.

Projected role: Starting center

Training camp outlook

The surprise of Nikola Jokic’s rookie season and rise from No. 41 overall pick in 2014 to starting center for the Denver Nuggets, to a third-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting has been talked about at length this offseason. The Serbian center’s development continued this summer during a marquee showing against the United States in Rio where the 21-year-old scored 25 points and grabbed six rebounds, proving that he’s ready for center stage at Pepsi Center this season.

Jokic has all the tools: An innate basketball IQ, supreme vision, capable hands and the ability as a natural shooter to stretch the defense out to 3-point range. What Jokic has to prove this season is that he can continue and maintain his plus efficiency and impact at both ends of the court with his minutes set to rise significantly.

Jokic only played a modest 21.7 minutes per game last season, less than most team’s sixth men. However, his time spent on the court is bound to increase as he’ll come into the season as Denver’s assumed starter at center. His RPM and DRPM numbers, which placed him 9th and 10th overall in the league respectively, will surely drop off with the increase in playing time, but Jokic needs to prove he’s conditioned enough to handle upwards of 30 minutes of action a night.

He’s also bound to be a more focal part of the offense this season and the Nuggets will try and run more actions through him at the three-point line, elbow, and block. Jokic needs to establish himself and stay consistent out of the gates this year, especially with a healthy and motivated Jusuf Nurkic, who wants as much playing time as possible.

Another aspect of Jokic’s game he needs to show growth in is his athleticism. Jokic is never going to be a high-flying rim protector or particular threat to catch lobs at the rim out of a pick-and-roll, but a quicker first jump and better reaction speeds can help him out on both ends of the floor. His intelligence and instincts on the court can make him an average rim protector but he could take that next concrete step if he’s able to improve in those areas.