Nikola Jokic has long been known by the nickname “The Joker.” But where did this moniker come from? During a recent episode of Podcast P with Paul George, former Nuggets player Mike Miller shared the amusing backstory behind the now-iconic nickname.
Miller, who played alongside Jokic during the 2015-16 NBA season, revealed that the nickname was born out of pure necessity. As a veteran on the Nuggets roster, Miller quickly recognized Jokic’s talent but struggled to pronounce his last name quickly during games. Instead of fumbling over “Jokic,” he opted for a simpler, catchier alternative—“Joker.”
“I gave him the nickname ‘The Joker,’ one because I couldn’t say ‘Jokic pass the ball,’ so I said ‘Joker pass the ball,’” Miller explained on the podcast.
Mike Miller reveals how he came up with Jokic’s ‘Joker’ nickname 🃏
“I literally couldn’t say, ‘Jokic past the f***ing ball.'”@Pick6 pic.twitter.com/mipyDrZXvQ
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) June 2, 2025
He also noted that Jokic’s playful personality and unpredictable style on the court reminded him of a joker in a deck of cards—fun, spontaneous, and always keeping opponents guessing.
Over the years, Jokic has fully embraced his nickname, making it a part of his identity both on and off the court. Before Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jokic arrived at the arena dressed in a deep purple suit, green vest, and crisp white shirt—a clear nod to the iconic DC villain, The Joker. Fans loved the tribute, further cementing the nickname as an integral part of his persona.
What started as a quick fix for a pronunciation issue has now become one of the most recognizable nicknames in basketball. Jokic’s unpredictable, creative, and dominant style on the court aligns perfectly with the name, making it a fitting representation of his game.
Mike Miller, however, jokingly regrets one thing—not trademarking the nickname.
“Jokic is making $75 million now, and I don’t need it, but I should’ve trademarked it,” Miller quipped.
