NBA

Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic got ripped during the NBA hiatus

Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic evidently used the three-month NBA hiatus to his advantage.

After beginning the season listed at 284 pounds, the 7-foot center looks to have shed some extra weight ahead of the NBA’s July restart in Orlando. Nuggets players and front office personnel have been raving about Jokic’s eye-catching transformation.

“He sent me a picture. No shirt on. He’s got abs,��� Nuggets president Tim Connelly told reporters last week. “I’ve never seen him have abs before.”

Jokic, who the Nuggets drafted 41st overall in 2014, was averaging 20.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game before the 2019-20 season was suspended indefinitely due to the global coronavirus pandemic. He has received All-Star nods the last two seasons.