Nikola Jokić’s behind-the-back half-court dime sends another warning to the NBA

Nikola Jokić does not need to jump over defenders, race past them or even look directly at his target to make a basketball possession unforgettable. Sometimes, all he needs is a glimpse of open space and a basketball in his hands. The Denver Nuggets center delivered another reminder of his extraordinary court vision against the Los Angeles Lakers, firing a behind-the-back pass from around half-court in transition to rookie forward Trevon Brazile. The audacious dime turned a fast break into a highlight-reel moment and gave NBA fans another reason to pay attention to Jokić as the new season approaches. The pass was spectacular not simply because of its style, but because of what it revealed about the way Jokić sees the floor.