Anthony Edwards said the Nikola Jokic thing we've all been thinking
This is For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here. Have feedback? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey! Now, here’s Mike Sykes.
Good morning, Winners! I think we're all running out of words to talk about how ridiculous these Nikola Jokic stat lines are.
Jokic notched the highest scoring triple-double ever with 61 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a double-overtime loss (!!!!) to the Timberwolves. I'm not usually one to laud incredible stat lines in a loss. They don't matter as much when you don't win. But this one has me on tilt.
Anthony Edwards — who scored 34 points himself in this one — is in awe, too. Like I said, we're running out of words. Thankfully, Edwards is a gem. So he said exactly we're all thinking.
"Nikola Jokic, bruh, oh my God. He might be the best basketball player I've ever seen close up," Edwards said. "Besides myself, to myself. The MVP race is crazy."
That's the highest of praise coming from what might be the most absurdly confident player in the NBA. He said Jokic might be the best player he's seen close-up.
Now, remember, folks. This guy has played with LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Joel Embiid and more through USA Basketball. He's played against Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He's seen his share of great players and future Hall of Famers. To say Jokic might be the best he's ever seen up close out of all of those folks? That's pretty incredible.
But, hey, man. After a 61-point triple-double? It's pretty easy to understand how Edwards might end up there. I get it!
Is Jokic the best player? I don't know, man. That's not for me to litigate here. But the fact that this is even a question says more than enough about how incredible he's been.
Jerry Jones does it again
You know what you do when you're trying to negotiate a new contract with arguably the best defensive player in the NFL? Make his agent mad.
Jerry Jones is just brilliant, man.
Jones said he's only discussed Parsons' contract extension with the player himself and not his agent, David Mulugheta. Mulugheta is one of the most prominent agents in the league. He represents stars like Jordan Love, Derek Stingley Jr., Xavier McKinney and more. And this is what Jones had to say about negotiating with his player:
“The agent is not a factor here,” Jones said. “And I don’t know his name. I’m not trying to demean him in any way, but this isn’t about the agent. The agent doesn’t have one thing to do with what we’re doing when we get on a football field as a team. Micah does. To the degree I’m involved, I do."
Yup. That's precisely the right way to play that. Act like the agent doesn't even exist. That'll show 'em! Not. Yikes, man.
Micah Parsons gave a huge endorsement to his agent after Jones' statement.
If Dallas was hoping for any sort of discount here, it's not coming. Jerry Jones has put his foot in his mouth for far too long with this one. It's time to pay up.
Four goals to go
Alex Ovechkin has eight games to score four goals to break Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record after notching No. 891 on Tuesday.
I feel like we've seen this goal SO MANY times from Ovi. Never gets old.
He's got it, y'all. He's going to do it. I cannot wait.
Quick hits: Ja Morant, WYD? ... Ben Johnson 🤝 Caleb Williams ... and more
— Did Ja Morant make a gun gesture toward the Warriors' bench? Sure did look like it. Charles Curtis has more.
— Caleb Williams should be thrilled about Ben Johnson's goals for the Bears' offense. Robert Zeglinski has more.
— The 49ers' owner says Brock Purdy's extension will lead to the team losing lots of talent. Sheesh.
— Was the Padres broadcast actually right about this being a balk? Andrew Joseph has more.
— The Masters is adding a new food to its legendary menu. Charles Curtis has deets.
— Here's Prince Grimes with the odds for the men's Final Four in the NCAA tournament.
That's a wrap, folks. Peace.
-Sykes ✌️