Primary love: horse riding and yet best player in the league? Well, Nikola Jokic is certainly no ordinary player. Whether it be his game sense or his unrealistic shots from spots he desires on the court, this Joker is one of a kind. No wonder Magic Johnson is reminded of yet another legend from the Golden State Warriors from Jokic’s play.
It was during his appearance on Byron Scott’s Fast Break that Johnson was asked about his opinion of Nikola Jokic.
Declaring Jokic as the “best player in basketball right now,” Johnson highlighted that The Joker reads situations and defense. And that his basketball IQ is off the charts. However, the Los Angeles Lakers icon didn’t deny the fact that the 7x All-Star is not as athletic as some of his contemporaries in the league. So what makes Joker stand apart for Magic? The similarity of gameplay he sees between Jokic and former Golden State Warriors star Chris Mullin.
“… He beats you. Cause he’s off rhythm… Cause he ain’t athletic. Like Chris Mullen used to do to us. Chris Mullen uses 1, 2, 3, up. Chris Mullen used to take one more, then one more, then you like [imitating opposing player]. And then shoot it in your face… And so Joker’s the same way,” Johnson said.
If you ever watched Mullin, you know exactly what Magic means. Mullin wasn’t the fastest or the most explosive, but his silky-smooth shot and ability to find the perfect spot made him a nightmare to guard. Sound familiar? Jokic does the same thing—except as a 7-foot center who can pass like a point guard.
Oct 29, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) dribbles the ball against Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
It’s not just about shooting, either. Both Mullin and Jokic have mastered the art of scoring with minimal effort. No wasted movements, no unnecessary dribbles—just smart positioning, high-IQ plays, and shots that seem impossible to stop. So, does it really matter that Jokic isn’t the most athletic guy on the court? Not to Magic.
In fact, later in the podcast, he pointed out how Jokic uses his body so well that he doesn’t need to outjump defenders—he just bumps them off, creates space, and gets his shot off anyway. And that, in Johnson’s eyes, is exactly why The Joker is the best. Surprisingly, Mullin himself has a similar opinion of Jokic.
Chris Mullin believes Nikola Jokic to be the best player in the league
Mullin has no doubt about who the best player in the NBA is right now—and honestly, can you blame him? Nikola Jokic has claimed MVP honors in three of the last four seasons, and his dominance on the court speaks for itself. Whether it’s his pinpoint passing, smooth footwork, or ability to take over a game without breaking a sweat, The Joker is in a league of his own. That’s exactly why Mullin and his former Indiana Pacers teammate Mark Jackson see him as the clear top player in the league.
Jackson, during his show, admitted that the debate isn’t easy, considering the sheer talent in the NBA. “It’s not an easy pick; there’s a lot of great players, and you can make a case for probably about five to be the best player,” he said on The Mark Jackson Show. Still, Jokic’s resume speaks louder than any argument. “I think, out of respect, Joker has won MVP. He’s gotta be the best player in the league today, on paper.”
Mullin agreed, likening the situation to boxing. “Three-time MVP Joker. There’s a lot of guys that are looking to take that form this year,” he said. But in his eyes, until someone knocks Jokic off his throne, the title of “best player” belongs to him.
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