LeBron James’ $30M Ex-Teammate Drops Honest Truth on Origin of Nikola Jokic’s Iconic Nickname: “I Couldn’t Say, ‘Jokic, Pass the Fking Ball'”**
In a recent episode of Podcast P with Paul George, former NBA champion Mike Miller, a one-time teammate of LeBron James with a net worth reportedly valued at $30 million, shared a candid and humorous story about how he coined the now-iconic nickname “The Joker” for Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic. The revelation, which has sparked widespread discussion among basketball fans, sheds light on the origins of one of the NBA’s most recognizable monikers, offering a glimpse into Jokic’s early days in the league and the unique personality that has made him a global sensation.
Miller, who played alongside LeBron James during their championship runs with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, joined the Denver Nuggets in 2015, coinciding with Jokic’s rookie season. At the time, Jokic was a relatively unknown second-round draft pick from Serbia, selected 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. Far from the three-time MVP and NBA champion he would become, the 20-year-old Jokic was a raw talent, navigating the complexities of the NBA as a wide-eyed newcomer. Miller, a veteran sharpshooter in the twilight of his career, quickly recognized Jokic’s extraordinary potential, but it was a practical issue that led to the creation of the nickname that would define the Serbian star’s career.
During the podcast, Miller recounted how Jokic’s last name posed a challenge on the court. “I gave him the nickname ‘The Joker’ because I couldn’t say, ‘Jokic, pass the f**king ball,’” Miller said with a laugh. “So I said, ‘Joker, pass the ball.’” The simplified nickname was born out of necessity, as Miller struggled to pronounce “Jokic” (correctly articulated as “Yo-kitch”) quickly enough during the fast-paced action of games. But the name stuck for reasons beyond pronunciation. Miller explained that Jokic’s playful personality and unconventional playing style reminded him of a joker in a deck of cards—unpredictable, creative, and always keeping opponents guessing. “His personality and the way he plays, it’s like a joker,” Miller added. “Every time I saw him, it’s like, man, that’s a joke.”
The anecdote highlights Jokic’s unique blend of skill and charisma, which was evident even in his rookie season. Despite averaging just 10 points and 7 rebounds per game in 2015-16, Jokic displayed flashes of the basketball genius that would later earn him comparisons to legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Larry Bird. Miller, who had a front-row seat to Jokic’s development, recalled his first impressions of the young center during a conversation with Nuggets coach Michael Malone and team owner Josh Kroenke. “I’m three days late for camp, so I get there and I’m sitting at practice,” Miller said. “idunt of practice, they asked me, ‘What do you think?’ I said, ‘I don’t know who that fat, ugly kid is over there, but he’s your best player and it’s not even close.’”
Jokic’s rise to superstardom has only amplified the significance of the “Joker” nickname. Since his rookie season, he has transformed the Nuggets into a perennial contender, leading them to their first NBA championship in 2023. His statistical dominance—highlighted by record-breaking triple-doubles and a historic postseason run in 2023, where he became the first center to record 500 points and 100 assists in a single playoff campaign—has cemented his place among the all-time greats. The nickname, now synonymous with Jokic’s brilliance, has taken on a life of its own, even inspiring his signature shoe, the “Joker 1.” Miller jokingly lamented not trademarking the name, noting, “Jokic is making $75 million now, and I don’t need it, but I should’ve trademarked it.”
Beyond the humor, Miller’s story underscores Jokic’s work ethic and deceptive athleticism. Despite online memes suggesting Jokic is disinterested in basketball, Miller praised his relentless dedication, describing him as one of the hardest-working players in the league. This commitment has translated into a resume that includes three MVP awards, seven All-NBA selections, and a Finals MVP. Jokic’s ability to elevate his teammates, as noted by LeBron James himself, who called him a “true testament of a great one,” has made him a cornerstone of the Nuggets’ success.
The “Joker” nickname, born from a lighthearted moment, has become a symbol of Jokic’s unique journey from an overlooked draft pick to a global basketball icon. As fans continue to marvel at his on-court wizardry, Miller’s revelation adds a layer of charm to the legacy of a player who continues to redefine what it means to be a superstar in the modern NBA.
