Nikola Jokic is one of the best players in the world. His impressive performance at the Denver Nuggets helped him win his third MVP (Best Player) title in 4 years, as well as plenty of opportunities to defend the NBA throne this season.

For Nikola Jokic, what makes him successful is not just his 2m11 height or superior basketball skills. It also has a super basketball IQ, superior vision, and even very technical moves that are very difficult to block. One of them is the throw over the head in a backward state called “Sombor Shuffle”.

Commenting on this throw, Kevin Durant once had to admit that it was an unstoppable shot: “I had the feeling that it was an easy shot to block. However, that is a misconception. Jokic knows how to slow down the pace, making you stop and not be able to rush to block that throw. Looking at the throwing position, you would think it would miss, but Jokic put the ball in the basket so easily. It’s amazing.”

So why is this throw called “Sombor Shuffle”? The Sporting News will answer in the article below.

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What is Nikola Jokic’s “Sombor Shuffle” move?

The name “Sombor Shuffle” first appeared during Chris Marlowe’s commentary on local Denver television. This term was born Nikola Jokic is a native of Sombor in Serbia.

Technically, this throw is somewhat similar to the legendary Dirk Nowitzki’s “fadeaway” move. However, there is a slight difference. Nikola Jokic often performs 1 and dribbles, putting his weight on his right foot to lure the defensive player to jump. Meanwhile, this player put the ball behind his head and threw it straight into the basket before the opponent’s helplessness.

While Jokic actively puts the ball behind his head to throw, Nowitzki shields the ball from the defensive player’s reach by leaning back. Nowitzki also often curls his left leg up, creating more distance from the defender and making this an unblockable throw.

When did Nikola Jokic invent the “Sombor Shuffle” move?

In 2017, Nikola Jokic suffered an injury to his left ankle. After returning to practice, the Serbian star realized that he did not necessarily have to jump and throw with both feet.

“I felt pain when I jumped with both feet, and then I usually just jumped with my right foot. The ball still went into the basket, and from then on I told myself I could use this trick. It really worked. “, Nikola Jokic interviewed with Rachel Nichols in 2021.

How effective is “Sombor Shuffle”

Nikola Jokic’s “Sombor Shuffle” shots are incredibly effective. According to statistics from Kirk Goldsberry from ESPN, Nikola Jokic successfully converted 51.5% of “Sombor Shuffle” throws made in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons.

By comparison, an NBA player only averaged 32% efficiency on similar shooting position trials.