Ex-NBA player expects racial debate if Nuggets' Nikola Jokic isn't suspended: 'You hate to see it'

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One former NBA player knows what’s in store for the league if Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic isn’t suspended following his scuffle with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia on Sunday night. 

Jokic created some controversy after Suns guard Josh Okogie flew into the stands while trying to keep the ball inbounds. When he didn’t, Ishbia was holding the ball and Jokic went to take it from him. 

In the process, Jokic shoved Ishbia and he fell to the ground. Jokic was issued a technical foul by referees for the odd exchange, and now suspension for Game 5 of the series – the Suns won Game 4 to tie things at two games apiece – is up for debate. 

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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic gets into an altercation during Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinal game against the Suns, Sunday, May 7, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Former NBA forward Chandler Parsons spoke on FanDuel TV’s "Run It Back" podcast, saying he believes that there will be a spirited racial debate if Jokic isn’t suspended. 

"Get ready for the race card if he does not get suspended because I don’t think he’s gonna get suspended and there’s gonna be a lot of things (like), ‘If this were Draymond [Green], he would be suspended. If this were Dillon Brooks… Anybody with a worse reputation or past is gonna get suspended.

"You hate to see it."

ESPN reported that it’s unlikely Jokic will be suspended. The league is also expected to make a statement on the matter Monday with Game 5 slated for Tuesday in Denver at 10 p.m. ET. 

Chandler Parsons attends Shaq's Fun House Big Game Weekend on Feb. 10, 2023, in Scottsdale, Arizona.