As one of ESPN’s top reporters for over two decades, Lisa Salters has seen a lot of superstars in action while covering the NBA and NFL for the network. But, according to Salters herself, one of those premier talents, somehow, slipped under her radar for years until recently.
Appearing on Wednesday’s edition of the Rich Eisen Show, Salters made the stunningly candid admission that she had “never seen” Nuggets star Nikola Jokić play prior to Denver’s Game 1 Western Conference Finals victory over the Lakers. Salters, who claimed she hadn’t worked a game in Denver “at least 10 years,” then clarified she hadn’t seen Jokić play in person before admitting she was thoroughly impressed by what she finally saw from the two-time MVP following his superb 34-point, 21-rebound, 14-assist triple-double on Tuesday.
“This is really the first time I’ve had a chance to watch him play, and I’ve got to admit, I have been sleeping on this guy,” Salters said. “He is spectacular, he is ridiculously good and, just, unstoppable.”
Salters also admitted watching Jokić’s dominant showing en route to his latest triple-double inspired her to text friends who previously told her about the big man’s greatness. Their response? “We’ve been trying to tell you that,” said Salters.
Given Jokić’s play over more than half his career, it’s hard to believe anyone who watches the NBA, especially Salters, could still be “sleeping on” the eight-year veteran. And, considering he has Denver in its second WCF in four years, the five-time All-Star more than likely has more eyes fixed on him now than ever before.
