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Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif
For several years now, and it was even clearer this season, Nikola Jokic has been the best player on the planet. He’s performing miracles with the Nuggets, which is absolutely insane for a player selected in the second round of the draft. Finally, for Mike Miller, who was in Denver during his rookie year, this is anything but a surprise.
Whether it’s a coincidence or the NBA’s desire to keep the suspense alive, the MVP title has yet to be awarded to the winner, as the two favourites go head-to-head in a legendary playoff series. In the run-up to this decisive Game 7, handing the trophy to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Nikola Jokic could add a theatrical dimension to the duel.
Finally, while the title of best player of the season is open to debate, that of best player on the planet is not. The mere fact that the Serbian is pushing the Thunder to the limit is a monumental feat, given that he is playing under an interim coach. Not to mention the injury to Michael Porter Jr. who is not even at 50% of his ability on the court.
Mike Miller’s first impression of Jokic
Mike Miller, two-time champion with the Heat, ended his career with the Nuggets, where he got to rub shoulders with a young Joker. As he explained in the “Pardon My Take” podcast, he only needed one training session and one look at the Serbian pivot to see his full potential. From day one, Nikola Jokic was the best player on the court.
The first time I saw Nikola Jokic, I thought he was the best player on the planet. For the record, I was traded by the Cavaliers to Portland. I managed to get a buyout with the Balzers and signed in Denver. So I arrived at training camp three days late. I didn’t train on the first day, just sat with Michael Malone during the session.
At the end, he asked me what I thought of the squad. I replied, “I don’t know who that big ugly guy is over there, but he’s the best player on the team by far.” That was in his rookie season. Back then he had his faults, his body wasn’t perfect. But I’ve never seen a youngster who, as soon as he gets the ball in his hands, makes time stop. The game was already slow for him. He touched the ball, he made others better.
Mike Miller only needed one training session in Denver to realize that Nikola Jokic was a player like no other. While some stopped at his unique physique, the trigger-happy Miller could already see that the Joker could make everyone better on the court. He shouldn’t be surprised at how dominant he is now.
