Penny Hardaway reveals for the first time 9 words about “Nikola Jokić will face tough times…. in the NBA golden age” – the secret behind this statement stuns NBA fans.

The NBA community erupted when former NBA star and current coach Penny Hardaway boldly shared a perspective about Nikola Jokić, suggesting that the Nuggets icon might face serious challenges during what he termed the “NBA golden age.” This commentary has sparked heated debate among fans, analysts, and former players alike — reopening discussions about basketball eras, greatness, and the evolving role of the center position in the modern game.

In this article, we break down the full context, why Hardaway’s words matter, and what this could mean for Jokić’s legacy. We’ll also explore how the NBA’s evolution affects today’s greatest players.

Introduction: Why Penny Hardaway’s Remarks Matter

In early December 2025, Penny Hardaway made headlines with a candid discussion about Nikola Jokić’s place in NBA history and the notion that even a player of Jokić’s caliber might struggle in basketball’s most competitive eras. This contrast between eras ignited passionate reactions from fans around the world.

Hardaway’s views go beyond simple opinion — they touch on how skills, athleticism, and basketball strategy have transformed over decades. By comparing modern stars to past legends, his statement pushed fans to reconsider not only who is great today, but how greatness is measured.

Penny Hardaway’s Statement: The 9 Words That Shocked Fans

During a recent podcast appearance, Penny Hardaway stated that Nikola Jokić “would have a hard time against the 90s centers.” This remark, consisting of just nine impactful words, triggered serious discussion among NBA communities.

At face value, Hardaway wasn’t dismissing Jokić’s talent — instead, he argued that the physical demands and defensive complexity of the 1990s era posed unique challenges that might have tested Jokić differently than the modern NBA does.

Understanding the Context: NBA Eras Compared

To grasp the full impact of Hardaway’s statement, we must understand the characteristics of the NBA golden age — often referred to as the 1990s — and contrast it with today’s league.

The 90s Era: Physical, Defensive, and Grueling

The 1990s are widely regarded as a golden age for centers and defensive basketball. Players like Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, and Shaquille O’Neal dominated the paint with physicality, defense, and traditional post play. This period emphasized heavy contact in the paint, hand-checking and restrictive defensive rules, and centers who were both athletic and imposing.

Hardaway suggests that these elements would pose unique challenges for a player like Jokić, who relies more on skill, vision, and spacing rather than brute strength.

Modern NBA: Skill, Spacing, and Versatility

In contrast, the current NBA rewards versatility, pace, and spacing. The center position has evolved dramatically. Centers now act as playmakers, three-point shooting is prevalent, and pick-and-rolls and small-ball lineups are common.

Nikola Jokić exemplifies this evolution. His passing vision, scoring versatility, and ability to control tempo make him a uniquely modern centerpiece — but arguably less suited to the physically dominant style of the 90s.

Breaking Down Hardaway’s Insight

Let’s unpack why Penny Hardaway’s comparison has resonated so intensely:

A Respectful Acknowledgement of Jokić’s Greatness

Hardaway did not dismiss Jokić’s talents outright — he recognized Jokić as one of the most complete players of the current generation, someone whose impact extends beyond scoring.

Rather, he pointed out the differences in defensive intensity and playing style that defined past eras.

Emphasis on Physical Challenges

Hardaway’s argument centers on the idea that defensive strategies and physical pressure in past decades were more intense than today’s game. In the 90s, interior defenders didn’t hesitate to challenge every post move, which could have put added strain on a player like Jokić, who thrives on finesse rather than sheer strength.

Era Comparisons Are Inherently Speculative

It’s important to note that comparing players across eras is inherently subjective — different rules, athletic training, and even game tempo shape how players perform. While Hardaway’s remarks are steeped in experience, they reflect one perspective among many.

Who Is Nikola Jokić? A Modern NBA Icon

Understanding Jokić’s greatness is key to appreciating why Hardaway’s words struck a chord.

Jokić’s Unique Skillset

Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets center, is widely regarded as one of the most impactful players of the modern era. His resume includes multiple MVP awards, triple-double performances unmatched in the modern era, and historical feats at the center position.

Unlike traditional big men of the past, Jokić operates with playmaker instincts, orchestrating offense from the paint and perimeter — a unique skill combination that redefines the center role.

The NBA’s Golden Age – How It Stands Apart

The “NBA golden age” often refers to decades where competition depth, iconic rivalries, and dominant champions captured global attention.

The 90s: A Center’s Rule

Centers in the 90s were pillars of their teams with dominant interior scoring and defense, legendary rivalries finely balanced between offense and defense, and physical toughness as a prerequisite.

This era featured athletes whose defensive skill sets were as revered as their offensive prowess — something Hardaway implies would test Jokić in ways the current league does not.

NBA Fans React: Debate and Discussion

Hardaway’s statement has sparked intense fan reactions across social platforms and forums:

Supporters of Jokić’s Greatness

Many fans argue that Jokić’s skills transcend eras, pointing out that his basketball IQ and adaptability would allow him to succeed regardless of defensive rules or playing style. They emphasize that basketball talent is universal, not era-bound, Jokić’s passing and shooting would still be elite, and his strategic mind would adapt to any defense. These fans view Hardaway’s comments as an invitation to celebrate Jokić’s unique strengths rather than a slight.

Traditionalists Defend the 90s Era

Other fans agree with Hardaway, believing that the 90s’ emphasis on physical defense and big men dominance would present a very different challenge for modern stars. They argue that physical defense could neutralize certain skills, smaller, spacing-focused centers today might struggle against elite interior defenders, and talent can be shaped by the rules of its time. This group sees the comparison as a reminder that different basketball eras required different athletic attributes.

What This Means for Jokić’s Legacy

Hardaway’s remarks haven’t diminished Jokić’s current standing — if anything, they have heightened the appreciation of his unique skill set.

Further Solidifies Jokić’s Era-Defining Status

By sparking conversations about era comparisons, Hardaway inadvertently highlighted how distinctive Jokić’s dominance is for today’s NBA — an era defined by playmaking big men rather than purely physical dominance.

Reinforces the Evolution of the Game

Hardaway’s insights underscore how the NBA has evolved from physical interior play to speed, spacing, and versatility. This evolution has created new legends — and Jokić is undoubtedly a pioneer in this evolution.

A Debate That Enriches NBA Culture

Penny Hardaway’s statement about Nikola Jokić facing challenging times in a hypothetical NBA golden age has done more than spark debate — it has encouraged deeper thinking about how basketball greatness is defined, how different eras value different skills, and what makes a modern icon truly great.

In the end, Hardaway’s nine words didn’t diminish Jokić’s stature — they opened a broader conversation about greatness, evolution, and the timeless beauty of basketball.