Mike Miller had a two-year stint with the Denver Nuggets. There he quickly saw the possibility of Nicola Djokic.
There was a time when people didn’t know Nicola Jokic as a superstar. Most view him as the unstoppable giant of the Denver Nuggets. He was once a second round pick where he was trying his best to build a team.
Jokic needed to support him by veterans. That’s why Mike Miller played a major role in helping him develop. Miller was one of the first to show full faith in a big man who had recently been rewarded.
In 2025, Nikola Jokic is one of the best players in the league, being three MVPs and the Finals MVPs. He was still a little known outlook from Serbia, so that wasn’t the case in the mid-2010s. Thankfully, Nugget believed in him. This is the result of people like Miller supporting him.
There was once a discussion between him and Jusuf Nurkic about the opening centre spot. Thankfully, for Nuggets fans, the franchise chose Jokic. He has become the greatest player ever. He became a transcendental star who broke statistical records throughout his career in Denver.
“I thought he was the best basketball player in the world… I’m three days late to camp. I’m there and sitting with Coach Malone and Kroenke’s family. “I don’t know who that fat, ugly player is there. But he’s your best player.
“At the time, he was flawed. He wasn’t big, but I’ve never seen the ball hit the hands of a young child like the matrix. It just stops. For most young children, the game is fast.”
Eventually, everyone realized what Miller was saying. Nikola Jokic has evolved into a core piece for the Nuggets team. He was a starting center in Denver, but he also became a major playmaker.
The Serbian big name quickly became one of the most unstoppable players in the league. He knew how to use his body in the post, but also had unique eyes on the pass. He can always make something, so he has become one of the most dangerous players in the league.
Miller was right in his ratings as Jokic secured his reputation. With his numerous accolades, it’s safe to say he’s one of the best centres ever. Miller may have been hyperbolic when he joined the Nugget, but he did it right.
Jokic will remain one of the best players in the league for years to come. He is already one of the most frightening matchups for the defender, and it continues.
The Joker is still in his prime, so it’s hard to tell where he’s falling in the rankings of all time. But he proved worthy of all the praise he received.