Few players have had a closer look at both Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic than Vlatko Cancar, and the former Denver Nuggets forward offered an inside perspective on how the two Slovenian superstars approach the game.
Cancar, who played with Jokic in Denver from 2019 to 2024 and with Doncic during Slovenia’s EuroBasket 2017 gold run, knows better than most how elite both are, even if their methods couldn’t be more different.
“Luka, I think, compared to Nikola — he wants full control of the game at all times,” Cancar said on X&O’s Chat. “Like, everything needs to run through him. And he makes that clear. He’s running pick and rolls, you’ve got to be in the corner, ready to shoot. He can be a hard-ass if you’re not ready. He’ll get on you. It’s not going to slide easily.”
Doncic’s demanding leadership style, Cancar explained, comes from his need to dictate every offensive possession.
By contrast, Jokic’s approach is quieter, but no less commanding.
“Whereas Nikola is more reserved,” Cancar said. “He holds it in for a while, but once he’s full, he blows up. Maybe Nikola’s more efficient just because he plays closer to the rim. He’s a lot bigger, and honestly, there aren’t many centers who can really guard him one-on-one.”
Cancar also highlighted how their physical profiles shape their games.
“Once you do start double-teaming Nikola, that ball starts flying around,” he said. “And he’s much closer to the hoop. Luka, on the other hand, often has to start his attack from the three-point line. That takes more energy, more effort, and it’s tougher overall.”
READ MORE: Ja Morant Sidelined ‘Week-to-Week’ After Spraining Left Ankle