Nikola Jokic once revealed how starting out as a point guard helped him: "You learn to really dribble the ball, control the ball, and control the game" originally appeared on Basketball Network .
Nikola Jokic serves as the perfect definition for the modern-day Swiss Army Knife player. Listed close to seven feet, he can shoot, rebound, pass, and run the floor. Interestingly, he started at the point guard position despite having all the physical attributes of a traditional big man.
Born in Sombor, Serbia, Jokic began his pro basketball journey playing for Mega Basket. After spending close to four years with the Serbian franchise, he rose to prominence in the ABA league. Named ABA League MVP and Top Prospect in 2015, he declared for the NBA draft.
Surprisingly, he turned out to be a second-round draft pick. A little disappointing for his well-wishers, especially back home. Many felt it had much to do with his unorthodox playing style. Not fitting the mold of the traditional big, The Joker offered something different.
Coming off his rookie season with the Denver Nuggets in 2016, Jokic opened up about his initial point guard position and how it helped shape his game.
"That's the spot where you learn to really dribble the ball, control the ball, and control the game. Just to put your teammates in the right spot, and talk and work with them. I think that learning is what built the passing skills that I have. When I was learning as a point guard, I was passing a lot. Passing was my main option. Now that helps me a lot, just passing, passing, passing. When you pass the ball, it's just so much easier to play," said Jokic, the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double in a season.
The Joker had to be its first beneficiary if there was ever to be an official point center position. Whether playing in the paint like a big man or running the floor like a floor general, he is the perfect combo. This is evident from his career stat line of 21.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists.
Former Nuggets coach Mike Malone, who coached Jokic for nearly a decade, once shared the secret behind his elite passing.
"Nikola takes great satisfaction in making plays for others. He really does. He takes more joy in that than anything else. He's going to make every one of his teammates better."
During the 2023 NBA Finals, veteran point guard and former Nuggets teammate Ish Smith claimed that Jokic ticked all the boxes when it came to playing the PG position. He did not hesitate to admit that The Joker was one of them, with the only difference being his size.
While Jokic sought inspiration from his Serbian counterparts in Peja Stojakovic and Vlade Divac, he also looked up to stars like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. That said, there was also an unlikely NBA legend on his list, who he believed was unguardable.
"I love Tracy McGrady. I think he was a very talented player. He was unique. No one could guard him. I never mentioned him, but let's say Tracy McGrady mentioned Jokic.
Though Jokic did not have the most conventional choice regarding the popular basketball idols, one cannot argue with him. Standing at 6'8," T-Mac defined the wingman position. His versatility was visible in his elite scoring, athleticism, and playmaking. It is still shocking to many that he did not make the NBA's 75th anniversary team. Both Jokic and McGrady belong to a rare group of players who can impact the game in multiple ways.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
