Mike Miller Shares How He Knew Rookie Nikola Jokic Was Special Despite His Appearance
Mike Miller recognized Nikola Jokic’s talent from the very beginning—even when most people overlooked the Serbian center after he was drafted 41st overall in 2014. During a recent appearance on Pardon My Take, Miller revealed that he told the Denver Nuggets early on that Jokic was their best player, even as a rookie.
“I’ve got a funny story,” Miller recalled. “I got traded from Cleveland to Portland, then did a buyout and ended up in Denver. I arrived at training camp three days late and just observed that day.”
After practice, head coach Michael Malone and members of the Nuggets ownership asked Miller for his thoughts. “I said, ‘I don’t know who that fat, ugly kid is, but he’s your best player—and it’s not even close.’”
When asked what stood out about Jokic, Miller admitted Jokic wasn’t physically impressive at the time. “His body wasn’t great. If you looked at his old combine or Hoop Summit footage, he didn’t jump well. But the way the ball hit his hands—it was like watching the Matrix. Everything slowed down for him.”
Miller explained that while most young players struggle to adjust to the speed of the NBA, Jokic had an unusual calmness and control that elevated everyone around him. “The game was already slow for him, and the ball movement made others better.”
Though it might sound like typical hindsight praise, Miller had been publicly high on Jokic for years. Back in November 2016 on The Ringer NBA Show, he said Jokic had the highest ceiling of all Denver’s young players. “There are a lot of talented guys, but if I had to bet on one, it’s Jokic. I call him ‘Joker.’ He reminds me a lot of the Gasol brothers.”
Miller believed Jokic could dominate a game like Marc Gasol and didn’t hesitate to compare him to All-NBA-level players. When host Chris Vernon asked if he truly thought Jokic had that level of potential, Miller replied, “I do.”
Jokic has since far exceeded even those lofty comparisons. At 30, he’s a three-time MVP, NBA champion, Finals MVP, and four-time All-NBA First Team selection—achievements that surpass both Gasol brothers. He’s poised to make a fifth All-NBA First Team this year as well.
As Jokic looks to add a second championship to his résumé, he and the Nuggets are preparing for a crucial Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals this Sunday at Paycom Center.
