Mike Miller Explains How He Knew ‘Fat And Ugly’ Nikola Jokic Would Be Special When He Was A Rookie
Former NBA sharpshooter Mike Miller recently opened up about his first impressions of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, offering a candid and humorous take on the future MVP’s early days in the league. In a podcast appearance, Miller, who was Jokic’s teammate during the 2015-16 NBA season, explained how he immediately recognized the Serbian center’s unique talent—despite his unconventional appearance.
“When he came in, he was fat and ugly,” Miller joked, eliciting laughter from fans. “But then he started doing things in practice that were just different. You could tell he was special.” The light-hearted comment quickly went viral, with many appreciating both the honesty and the affection behind Miller’s words.
Jokic, now a two-time NBA MVP and 2023 Finals MVP, entered the league as a relatively unknown second-round pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. At the time, there was little buzz around the young big man, and his conditioning was often criticized. However, Miller said it didn’t take long to see that Jokic possessed a basketball IQ and passing ability that far exceeded expectations.
“I’ve played with some of the best,” Miller said, referencing former teammates like LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal. “But the way Jokic saw the game—how he moved, passed, and thought two plays ahead—it was something else. You just knew.”
Miller also praised Jokic’s humility and work ethic, describing him as a player who didn’t need the spotlight to thrive. “He didn’t care about the fame, the stats, or the attention. He just wanted to play the right way and win. That’s rare.”
Since those early days, Jokic has transformed into one of the most dominant and unique players in NBA history. Known for his exceptional passing, vision, and unselfish play, Jokic has redefined what it means to be a center in the modern game. He led the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023 and continues to be a perennial MVP contender.
Looking back, Miller’s early assessment now seems prophetic. What started as a humorous jab at Jokic’s rookie physique turned into a glowing tribute to one of the most intelligent and gifted players of his generation. As Miller put it, “You can’t judge greatness by how someone looks when they walk into a room. Jokic proved that in every way.”
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Mike Miller Explains How He Knew ‘Fat And Ugly’ Nikola Jokic Would Be Special When He Was A Rookie
