In the latest episode of The OGs featuring former NBA players Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem, Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo heaped praise on Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokić (31-minute mark).

Before making this statement, Adebayo stated that he thought Jokić was the toughest player in the league.

The quality that I admire the most about him is that he does not attempt to make 16 or 17-point free throws. He is attempting to get buckets.

That is an intriguing observation, given that Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, bemoaned referees “legislating defence out of the game” following his team’s 120-114 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Notably, Jokić made all 32 of Denver’s free throw attempts.

Kerr stated, “I have a problem with the way we are legislating defence out of the game,” as reported by Anthony Slater of The Athletic.

Players can simply bluff their way to the foul line with our assistance. I would not have wanted to see the second half if I had been a fan. It was repulsive.”

After the game, Jokić shared his thoughts on his free throw total with ESPN’s Kendra Andrews.

“I was missing shots, so I was just trying to be aggressive in another way, maybe play a little more physical,” Jokić told Andrews. “It was simply that kind of evening. I have never had more than I have now.”

His 10.1 free throw attempts are second among centres and eighth in the NBA behind Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers.

With 26.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game so far, the reigning MVP of the NBA Finals is having another fantastic start. With a 22-10 record, his Nuggets are second in the Western Conference.