“No one could guard him” Nikola Jokic reveals an interesting fact about his childhood idol!

Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ MVP center, has carved a unique path to superstardom in the NBA. With his unconventional style, extraordinary basketball IQ, and unselfish playmaking, Jokic has become the face of European basketball excellence in the modern NBA. Yet, while many have speculated that Jokic’s idols must have shared his cerebral, team-oriented approach, the Serbian superstar recently revealed a surprising favorite—Tracy McGrady.

In the Denver Nuggets’ documentary “Road to Gold,” Jokic opened up about the players who inspired him during his youth. While he gave nods to the European legends who paved the way, his top pick was a shocker.

European Influence on Nikola Jokic’s Game

Growing up in Sombor, Serbia, Nikola Jokic was surrounded by the influence of European basketball. Unlike the flash and explosiveness typical of many American players, European basketball values efficiency, fundamentals, and team play. It’s clear that this philosophy shaped Jokic’s development into one of the most unique big men in NBA history.

During his childhood, Jokic drew inspiration from European NBA pioneers like Peja Stojakovic and Vlade Divac, two Serbian stars who had successful careers in the league. Their ability to adapt and thrive in a different basketball culture made them heroes in Jokic’s eyes.

“When I was growing up, Peja Stojakovic and Vlade Divac were in the NBA,” Jokic said. “There’s also Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, all those guys.”

This combination of European fundamentals and admiration for NBA superstars formed the foundation of Jokic’s basketball identity.

Tracy McGrady: Jokic’s Unexpected Idol

Despite his admiration for European legends and fundamentally sound players like Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki, Jokic named Tracy McGrady—a player known for flair, explosiveness, and scoring ability—as his all-time favorite.

“I love Tracy McGrady. I think he was a very talented player,” Jokic explained. “He was unique. No one could guard him. I never mentioned him, but let’s say Tracy McGrady.”

This revelation surprised many fans and analysts who have long assumed Jokic would idolize someone more akin to his own playing style. But it also speaks to the versatility of Jokic’s basketball mind—he doesn’t just admire what he replicates on the court; he appreciates greatness in all its forms.

Tracy McGrady, or T-Mac, was a seven-time NBA All-Star and one of the most electric scorers in the early 2000s. His ability to rise up over defenders, create space, and drop 13 points in 33 seconds cemented his legacy as an NBA icon.

Jokic’s Respect for Legends Like Duncan and Nowitzki

While Tracy McGrady tops the list, Jokic made sure to acknowledge other NBA greats who influenced him as well.

“There’s Kobe Bryant, LeBron James… But I have to say Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, I love Tracy McGrady…”

These names highlight Jokic’s reverence for greatness. Tim Duncan, the ultimate example of calm dominance and team-first mentality, and Dirk Nowitzki, who proved that a European big man could become a franchise player in the NBA, both clearly shaped Jokic’s view of what it means to be a professional.

Dirk’s success with the Dallas Mavericks laid the groundwork for the acceptance of European stars in franchise-leading roles, and Jokic has picked up that baton with pride.

LeBron James: A Modern-Day Inspiration for Jokic

Though Tracy McGrady holds the spot as Jokic’s childhood idol, when it comes to modern-day admiration, one name stands above the rest—LeBron James.

“Nobody in the near future will do what he did,” Jokic once said of LeBron. “I think the guy didn’t have a prime—he’s been in his prime for 20 years.”

Jokic lauded LeBron James for his consistency, leadership, and longevity, qualities that transcend statistics and accolades. For Jokic, LeBron’s career represents the ultimate blueprint for sustained excellence.

“If you wanna have an idol or someone to look up to… the guy is always leading and playing consistently for 20 years, winning championships and MVPs—he’s the guy you look up to.”

This level of praise from a three-time MVP like Jokic speaks volumes about how LeBron’s influence goes beyond highlight reels. It’s about the discipline and professionalism that young players should strive to emulate.

Why Tracy McGrady Resonated With Young Jokic

So, what was it about Tracy McGrady that made such a lasting impact on a young Serbian kid with dreams of NBA glory?

For one, T-Mac’s style was captivating. His blend of effortless scoring, smooth shooting, and athletic grace was mesmerizing for any fan, regardless of their own playing style. Jokic may be a 6-foot-11 pass-first center, but watching McGrady glide across the court likely sparked his imagination about what basketball could look like at its highest form.

T-Mac’s ability to score from anywhere, handle the ball like a guard, and take over games likely instilled in Jokic a deep appreciation for individual brilliance—even if his own game is rooted in collective success.

The Broader Impact of Jokic’s Idol Choices

Nikola Jokic’s admiration for both Tracy McGrady and LeBron James reflects the evolving identity of today’s NBA players. They are no longer molded by one style or geographic influence. Instead, they are global hybrids—students of the game who learn from a broad spectrum of players, from European trailblazers to American icons.

Jokic’s diverse taste in idols signals the changing face of the league, where the borders between styles and cultures have blurred, giving rise to a new generation of multidimensional stars.

Lessons for the Next Generation of Players

For aspiring hoopers watching Nikola Jokic dominate the NBA today, there’s a profound lesson in who he chose as his idols. He didn’t limit himself to players who looked like him or played his position. Instead, he appreciated greatness in all forms.

From T-Mac’s creativity and confidence to LeBron’s discipline and dominance, Jokic absorbed the traits that define elite athletes. And in doing so, he built his own brand of basketball—a mix of vision, efficiency, and unpredictability.

Young players would do well to follow his lead: Study the game in its entirety. Respect different styles. Find inspiration from everywhere.

Jokic Is Now the Idol for Millions

The story comes full circle with the realization that Nikola Jokic is now the inspiration for millions of young players around the world—particularly in Europe. Just as Divac, Peja, and Dirk paved the way for Jokic, he is now the one showing the next generation what’s possible.

Kids in Serbia, Spain, France, and beyond see Jokic as proof that you don’t have to be the flashiest or fastest to become the best. You just need to play smart, stay humble, and work relentlessly.

Conclusion: The Joker’s Heroes and His Lasting Legacy

Nikola Jokic’s journey from a small Serbian town to NBA superstardom has been defined by intelligence, creativity, and humility. His revelation that Tracy McGrady is his favorite player highlights a deep appreciation for greatness in its many forms. Meanwhile, his admiration for LeBron James underscores his respect for consistency, leadership, and legacy.

Jokic is not bound by the mold of any one player. He’s a mosaic of the legends he admired—T-Mac’s flair, LeBron’s durability, Duncan’s discipline, Dirk’s finesse, and his own unique twist of European basketball mastery.