Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is the most difficult player to guard in the NBA, according to fellow stars like Draymond Green and Deni Avdija. This high praise comes as the Nuggets work through their preseason schedule, which included a 122-110 loss to the LA Clippers on October 14, 2026.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija explained his struggles on a recent podcast. "Every time I switch on to Jokic, I'm like, 'What the hell am I supposed to do?'" Avdija said. He highlighted Jokic's rare combination of strength, intelligence, and elite passing. The 6'11" Serbian's touch around the rim from any angle makes him a nightmare matchup.
Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green agreed completely. "He is the toughest cover in the league for sure," Green stated. Opponents face a player who can shoot from deep, dominate the post, and is arguably the best passing big man in history. His footwork and basketball IQ leave defenders with no clear answer.
At 31 years old, Jokic remains in his prime. He is a strong candidate for a fourth career MVP award if he maintains his historic production. Last season, he averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game. He became the first player ever to lead the league in both rebounds and assists in the same season.
An injury that caused him to miss 17 games likely cost him the 2026 MVP. A healthy season with similar numbers and team success could see him reclaim the trophy. While another championship is his ultimate goal, a fourth MVP would be a significant addition to his Hall of Fame resume.
The Nuggets continue their preseason preparations with a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 16, 2026. Their preseason results so far include a 133-128 win over the Chicago Bulls on October 11 and a split of two games with the Utah Jazz earlier in October.
These games are a tune-up for the regular season, where Jokic's matchups with defenders like Avdija and Green will be must-watch television. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full schedule on our schedule page. The Nuggets' success hinges on their superstar center, who continues to earn the utmost respect from the players tasked with stopping him.
