An NBA Legend recently claimed Nikola Jokic embarrassed Steve Kerr during the Olympics.

Even though Team USA won a well-earned gold medal at the recent Paris Olympic Games, there were moments where two European nations seemed capable of upsetting them: Serbia and France came within inches of defeating this extraordinary lineup of NBA talent before Team USA staged remarkable fourth quarter displays to secure victory.
U.S. men’s national team may never have been truly impressive despite winning all seven of its matches against Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets squad – two of those were against Jokic himself who earned three consecutive NBA MVP awards; both times Jokic kept them close if not on top in both encounters with American opponents.
NBA fans were quick to notice these events after Hall-of-Famer Oscar Robertson took an unusual approach in calling out Steve Kerr’s squad during an episode of All the Smoke Podcast with Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, questioning his tactics as coach of the Warriors team. Robertson expressed doubt over whether Kerr is prepared to accept Oscar Robertson’s criticism that has taken place within basketball circles in recent weeks.

Nikola Jokic turned in an outstanding defensive effort against Team USA, who tried to use him in almost all two-man plays they could. Jokic held strong with four steals and various deflections over 31 minutes of game action.
Jokic and Serbia did an effective job of forcing USA into shooting shots they did not wish for and ultimately wanted out. Pic.twitter.com/W3Qs1lfV8e — Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind). July 29. 2024.

“[Their feet don’t slide]! Jokic made USA look foolish due to a guard’s failure to fight through and get his man… why am I trying to play through 7-foot-4 guys that I know won’t help my cause; USA kept doing that while Jokic kept scoring badly – what was [Steve] Kerr doing, exactly?” he inquired from the panel.
U.S. head tactician Bruce Kerr suggested to place three big men to stop Denver center Nikola Jokic from dominating. Kerr gave this warning before explaining “we cannot become complacent by having already defeated them two times; anything could come out of Jokic or from Denver in terms of surprise tactics – we need to be ready.”
Steve Kerr also understood that playing all three All-Star center players – Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid and Bam Adebayo – would eventually wear down Jokic. Steve ensured this point: “We know we have an advantage in numbers.”
Robertson retired from NBA play after 11 All-NBA team notches and winning MVP in 1964 as well as one championship title win (in 1971). Furthermore, Robertson became one of the first athletes in history to average triple doubles per campaign.
Jokic reminded the press this weekend of how, upon returning from representing Serbia in international play, he earned an NBA Championship title.
As Denver and Boston squared off this weekend in Abu Dhabi Games, big man Nikola Jokic reminded reporters he has returned more motivated after representing Serbia this summer at Olympic bronze medal winning Paris Games. When talking with reporters afterwards he recounted what had occurred last time they played against Serbia during an exhibition matchup against Boston at home this season.
Last time I played for my national team, they won a championship – though whether this means much is debatable. Most players say summer tournaments help you remain fit; I don’t know if that is accurate in my experience; though I had fun and believe my improvement. How it will influence current basketball play remains yet unknown,” according to three-time MVP LaQuan McCarley.
His coach also applauded his impact during this pivotal preseason matchup against reigning champs Denver Nuggets, even despite losing by just one point.