Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a seasoned NBA veteran, credits Nikola Jokic’s unique nonverbal leadership style in the Nuggets for their historic championship triumph. Over his 12-year career, KCP has played alongside notable stars like LeBron James and Jokic, observing distinct leadership approaches that have influenced his teams in different ways.
Unlike LeBron James, who is known for his outspoken guidance, Jokic leads more subtly. Initially seen as reserved when he entered the league, Jokic gradually embraced his role as the team’s cornerstone, commanding respect without relying heavily on words. Caldwell-Pope explained how Jokic’s quiet demeanor communicates as much as any speech, especially in moments of frustration or intensity.
The Power of Leading by Example and Quiet Communication
Reflecting on Jokic’s manner, Caldwell-Pope shared with Dwight Howard on the podcast Above The Rim,
“[Jokić] was good when he did speak,”
adding,
“He barely spoke … Like, when he’s mad, and he’s angry, he don’t speak another language but he try to speak our language and try to get his point across. Like when he gets mad, we already know we f***ed up.”
This reveals how Jokic’s rare vocal moments carry significant weight among his teammates, reinforcing accountability through presence rather than volume.
Rather than being a traditional vocal leader, Jokic’s influence comes largely through his actions on and off the court. Caldwell-Pope emphasized the importance of veteran leadership alongside Jokic, noting the role experienced teammates played in fostering a strong team dynamic:
“I already won a championship. I did have DeAndre Jordan at the time, Jeff Green, [and] Ish Smith. I still have some more veteran guys that say they could help me, you know what I’m saying?”
He added,
“Be vulnerable to these guys. And I think it’s that dynamic we had like there that was pretty good.”
Transitioning Into a More Vocal Role Amid Team Changes
Throughout Jokic’s career, public admonishments of teammates were typically handled by former head coach Michael Malone. However, after Malone’s dismissal shortly before the postseason, Jokic stepped forward with increased vocal leadership. This shift was credited with helping the Nuggets exceed expectations and ultimately reach new heights.
Jokic’s understated yet impactful leadership has been widely praised by both current and former teammates, who appreciate how his calm and steady presence guides the team during high-pressure moments. Moving forward, Jokic may need to balance his signature nonverbal style with more audible leadership to continue driving the Nuggets’ success and secure future championships.