Mike Miller Reveals: Why Nikola Jokic Was Called ‘Joker’ From His Early Days with the Nuggets?

Few nicknames in NBA history are as iconic and fitting as “The Joker” for Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic. His whimsical demeanor, unselfish playstyle, and unpredictable court vision have made the nickname a perfect fit. But for years, fans speculated: Who actually came up with it?

Now, the mystery is solved.

In a recent appearance on Podcast P with Paul George, former NBA sharpshooter and Jokic’s ex-teammate Mike Miller revealed that he was the first to call Jokic “Joker”, giving birth to one of the league’s most enduring monikers.

Mike Miller Confirms: “It Was Me – I Gave Him the Nickname Joker”

Speaking candidly during the podcast, Mike Miller, now 45, recalled the first time he witnessed the immense talent of the young Serbian center during the Denver Nuggets’ preseason practice back in 2015. At the time, Jokic was an unheralded rookie, drafted 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft.

“I saw who he was,” Miller said. “I’m not going to say, ‘he’s going to be this guy’. That would be ridiculous. But I knew he had All-Star and Hall-of-Fame type talent.”

Miller admitted that Jokic stood out immediately—not just for his skills, but for his presence, and in a spur-of-the-moment decision, he coined the nickname.

“I gave him the nickname Joker, because I couldn’t say ‘Jokić, pass the f…ing ball,’ so I said, ‘Joker, pass the ball,’” Miller laughed. “His personality and the way he plays, it’s like a Joker.”

Why ‘Joker’ Was the Perfect Nickname for Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic’s nickname ‘Joker’ has stuck for good reason. It’s easy to say, it’s catchy, and most importantly, it captures Jokic’s unique combination of humor, unpredictability, and quiet dominance.

On the court, Jokic bends the game to his will, threading no-look passes, hitting unorthodox shots, and reading the game like a chess grandmaster. Off the court, he’s known for deadpan humor, humility, and a low-key lifestyle—far removed from the usual flashiness of NBA superstardom.

The nickname “Joker” embodies this paradox: a player who can make you laugh with his facial expressions and quirky interviews, and then destroy your team with a triple-double.

“His personality and the way he plays, it’s like a Joker,” Miller added. “I should have trademarked it.”

From Serbia to NBA Stardom – Jokic’s Meteoric Rise

Born in Sombor, Serbia, Nikola Jokic grew up far from the glitz of American basketball culture. Known for his love of horses and humble lifestyle, Jokic’s NBA journey didn’t begin with hype. In fact, his draft selection in 2014 happened during a Taco Bell commercial, a now-famous moment that underscores how overlooked he was at the time.

But from the moment he arrived in Denver, Jokic’s genius on the court began to shine. By the time Miller joined the Nuggets in 2015, Jokic was already turning heads in practice, earning respect from seasoned veterans.

“He was the best player in practice. It was obvious,” Miller said. “He just needed the opportunity.”

Under then-head coach Michael Malone, Jokic slowly began to receive more minutes, and by the 2016–17 season, he was the unquestioned centerpiece of Denver’s offense.

Today, Jokic is a three-time NBA MVP, an NBA Champion, and widely considered one of the greatest centers to ever play the game.

Mike Miller’s Role in Jokic’s Development

Although he’s mostly remembered for his championship runs with LeBron James in Miami and Memphis, Mike Miller’s mentorship role in Denver has proven quietly influential.

Serving as a veteran voice in the locker room from 2015 to 2017, Miller wasn’t just there to space the floor—he was also a guide for young players, including Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Gary Harris.

“Mike was someone Jokic really respected,” said a Nuggets insider. “He knew when to push and when to laugh. Giving him the nickname ‘Joker’ wasn’t just a joke—it was a way of embracing who Jokic was.”

Indeed, the nickname helped give Jokic an identity in a league that often struggles to market international stars. The name “Joker” helped fans latch on to his game and personality, and it created a strong brand around a previously unknown big man from Serbia.

The NBA’s Long History of Nicknames – But Joker Stands Out

The NBA is known for iconic nicknames—“King James” (LeBron), “Black Mamba” (Kobe Bryant), “The Greek Freak” (Giannis Antetokounmpo)—but few feel as naturally earned and widely embraced as “The Joker.”

What sets Jokic’s nickname apart is its organic origin. It wasn’t crafted by a PR firm or pushed by the league. It came from a teammate struggling to pronounce his name during practice, and it stuck because it felt right.

Now, fans wear Joker jerseys, chant “M-V-P!” every time he touches the ball, and even dress as clowns in Denver’s Ball Arena in homage to their beloved big man.

“It’s one of the coolest nicknames in sports,” said ESPN analyst Doris Burke. “It’s funny, it’s clever, and it fits him to a tee.”

Paul George and Podcast P Give Flowers to Miller

During the episode of Podcast P, host and LA Clippers star Paul George was visibly surprised when Miller claimed the nickname.

“Wait—you’re telling me you created the Joker nickname?” George asked, stunned.

When Miller confirmed, George and the crew immediately reacted with admiration, praising Miller for unknowingly shaping the identity of one of the greatest players in the modern NBA.

“You need royalties!” George joked.

And indeed, Miller himself quipped, “I should have trademarked it.”

Jokic Today: MVP, Champion, and Unbothered Superstar

Fast forward to 2025, and Nikola Jokic is at the peak of his powers. He led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA Championship in 2023, picked up his third MVP award in 2024, and continues to dominate the league in his own unique style.

Unlike most NBA superstars, Jokic prefers spending his summers in Serbia, enjoying horse racing, and staying far from the limelight. But when it’s time to suit up, the Joker becomes a nightmare for opponents.

He is the only center in NBA history to average a triple-double over a full season and currently ranks among the top five in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) all time.

Conclusion: A Nickname That Defined a Legacy

Nicknames can be superficial. But sometimes, they perfectly encapsulate the essence of a player—their game, their personality, and their story. Nikola Jokic as “The Joker” is one of those rare instances where it all fits.

Thanks to Mike Miller’s offhand comment during a Denver Nuggets practice, we now have one of the most iconic labels in modern basketball. And as Jokic’s legacy continues to grow, so too will the legend of the “Joker”—not just a name, but a symbol of joy, brilliance, and dominance on the basketball court.