The NBA needs to get off its hands and get defenders off Nikola Jokic’s knees.

Three decades ago, there were Jordan Rules implemented by the Detroit Pistons. Now, there are the Jokic Rules carried out by Lilliputians.

It is not basketball.

It is part strategy, part WWE. It seems inspired by Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell, who famously said, “when you knock us down we’re going to get up, and on the way up we’re going to bite a kneecap off.”

If the guards like Utah’s Keyonte George and the Lakers’ Marcus Smart focused on fronting Jokic, it would be understandable. But they purposely box their butts into his legs, trying to get Jokic to tumble over or trip on his own feet. That is not defense. That is some Humpty Dumpty bull(bleep).

The Jazz and Lakers followed the same blueprint that is almost guaranteed to reappear Monday night in Oklahoma City. Alex Caruso relishes making Jokic miserable. He is an elite defender. And should be above this gimmick. He likely won’t be.

Teams have no incentive to stop if the refs don’t enforce the rules. Jokic doesn’t help himself by complaining, a habit he has fallen back into over the last month. But, he has the right to defend himself with the way he is getting defended.

One solution is for Jokic to fall forward when they back into his knees, squashing anyone and anything below. It would be worth it if not for the fact that Jokic is coming off a knee injury, and any slight twist or tweak could end the Nuggets’ season.

So what is the answer if the refs continue to let guards harass the big man?

Screens and picks. And more screens. And more picks. It will look weird. But if Bruce Brown or Aaron Gordon sets a blind pick as Jokic goes to the corner that will ease the appetite of the defenders to latch onto the center’s legs like yapping Chihuahuas. Running motion across the face of the defenders will also put them on notice for a screen or an “accidental” bump to the chest.

Jokic will always inspire inventive ways to stop him. This, though, has to stop. The refs need a more active whistle, and the Nuggets players need to protect Jokic from defenders and himself.

Russell vs. Sean, part 4 or 5?: Russell Wilson clapped back at Sean Payton. This passive-aggressive feud continues to feature smoldering embers. For those keeping score, Payton took a shot at Wilson after the Broncos beat the Giants, saying, “I was talking to (Giants owner) John Mara, and I said, ‘We were hoping that that change would have happened long after our game.’” It was meant as a compliment to Jaxson Dart.

Understandably, Wilson did not see it that way, tweeting, “Classless … but not surprised. Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media.” OK, fair. So, why is Wilson still talking about it four months later? Wilson said recently on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast that, “I know who I am as a competitor, as a warrior, as a champion, and you know, I’ve beaten Sean, too. You know, like we’ve been in the same place and the same thing. … Just don’t disrespect me.”

This reminds me of when George Constanza was devouring food in “Seinfeld,” and co-worker Reilly quipped, “You know George, the ocean called, they are all out of shrimp.” Constanza failed to volley, and planned a Firestone snow tire night weeks later to exact revenge. He repeated his eating habits, and the ocean line followed. Constanza countered with “The jerk store called and they are all out of you.” The comeback fell flat. Wilson had a better retort, but it was too late. And frankly, where was this courage in 2023 when Payton unloaded on Wilson at Detroit? Payton makes enemies. No question. But if you are going to come at him again, there should be a statute of limitations.

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