Draft night is often second to none when NBA players are asked about their fondest memories. A lifetime of action finally ends with a single phone call and a player’s life changes in an instant. Charm Rookie Anthony Black is no exception, and on Tuesday he shared a video from draft night where the Nuggets played Nikola Jokic Make the night more special for him.
Jokić, the NBA Finals MVP, is coming off his best season to date and is widely considered one of the best players in the NBA right now. But it didn’t start that way. He was a bit of a late shine and didn’t hit his stride until he played two seasons in the NBA after being selected with the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
He appeared to leave a message for Black and give him some advice before Adam Silver called his name last Thursday.
“It’s a joker, I just want to tell you good luck in the draft today,” Jokic said He said. “But I have to tell you, it doesn’t mean anything. I was the 41st pick and nobody counts on me, so whatever comes out today, don’t bother. Just work hard, surround yourself with good people you trust and in the end, just work hard. Luck.” Good luck my friend.”
Black, 19, was selected by Orlando with the No. 6 pick from Arkansas after a freshman year as he averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.