The Jokic Blueprint: How the Serbian Center Erased European Stereotypes
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Former NBA player Danilo Gallinari explains how Nikola Jokic's dominance as a playmaker has redefined the path for international prospects.
Nikola Jokic has evolved beyond a traditional center to become a foundational model for the next generation of European basketball players. As Sports Illustrated México first reported, former Denver Nuggets teammate Danilo Gallinari says Jokic's career serves as a roadmap for young athletes dreaming of the NBA, proving that league dominance can be achieved through playmaking rather than primary scoring.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the NBA Mexico City Game 2026, Gallinari told Sports Illustrated México that Jokic is an idol and a model for new generations. He emphasized that Jokic's ability to read the game is the gold standard that young players should study and aspire to, even if Jokic operates at a level that is virtually unreachable for others.
This shift in perception marks a significant departure from the era when Gallinari entered the league. Selected sixth overall in the 2008 Draft by the New York Knicks, Gallinari recalled facing deep-seated prejudices regarding the physicality and defensive capabilities of European players. He noted that he was viewed simply as a tall, white European player who could shoot but lacked defensive skill and was considered "soft."
While Gallinari spent 14 seasons in the NBA—averaging 14.9 points and 4.7 rebounds over 777 regular-season games before retiring in December 2025—he believes the current generation of international players no longer faces those specific stereotypes. The narrative has shifted from proving physical toughness to studying the intellectual dominance exemplified by Jokic.
Jokic's resume supports this shift. Between 2015 and 2017, he shared a locker room with Gallinari in Denver; since then, he has secured three MVP awards (2021, 2022, and 2024) and a championship in 2023. Gallinari argues that Jokic's success demonstrates that a player who prioritizes passing over scoring can reach the absolute pinnacle of the sport.
Because of these statistical and competitive achievements, Gallinari places Jokic among the five greatest basketball players in history, alongside LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. Gallinari further asserted that Jokic has already earned a place in the Hall of Fame, regardless of when he chooses to retire.