Both Bill Walton and Nikola Jokic are highly regarded for their exceptional passing abilities, but they exhibit different styles and strengths in their passing games.
Bill Walton, a Hall of Fame center who played primarily in the 1970s and 1980s, was known for his exceptional passing skills as a big man. He possessed excellent court vision and was a highly intelligent passer. Walton’s passing was characterized by his ability to make accurate outlet passes, find open teammates in transition, and make precise interior passes to cutters and teammates in the post. He was an unselfish player who constantly looked to involve his teammates and create scoring opportunities for them.
On the other hand, Nikola Jokic, a current center for the Denver Nuggets, has gained recognition as one of the best passing big men in NBA history. Jokic’s passing skills are unique and have revolutionized the position. He combines exceptional court vision, creativity, and passing touch to make remarkable and imaginative passes. Jokic is known for his ability to throw accurate full-court passes, make no-look and behind-the-back passes, and find open teammates with pinpoint accuracy from various angles on the court. He has expanded the boundaries of what a center can do as a playmaker.
While both Walton and Jokic excel in passing, Jokic’s passing style is more flashy and unconventional, while Walton’s passing game was characterized by his high basketball IQ and precise execution. Walton’s passing was crucial in orchestrating the Portland Trail Blazers’ championship run in 1977, while Jokic’s passing has helped transform the Denver Nuggets into a high-powered offensive team and earned him the NBA MVP award in 2021.
In summary, both Walton and Jokic are exceptional passers in their respective eras, but Jokic’s unique passing style and versatility have established him as one of the most extraordinary passing big men in NBA history.