When discussing the best players in the NBA today, Nikola Jokic is one of the first names that comes to mind. Unlike other stars, Jokic has a reputation for appearing disinterested in the game, seemingly playing more out of obligation than passion. Yet a former teammate with the Denver Nuggets has compared his work ethic and discipline to that of LeBron James.
Michael Porter Jr. recently spoke on the Glory Daze podcast with Johnny Manziel, reflecting on his time with the Nuggets and their playoff matchups against the Lakers. During the conversation, he opened up about what it was like playing alongside Jokic.
“I didn’t really know much about Nikola, honestly. I did not. And he wasn’t the superstar he is now when I first got drafted,” Porter Jr. said, recalling Jokic’s rookie season.
“I really didn’t see it at first,” Porter Jr. added when asked if he noticed Jokic’s potential right away. “Even when we went into training camp, I remember asking my teammates, ‘Wait, so this dude is really that good?’ Everybody kept telling me he’s that cold, but in training camp, he and Mason Plumlee, our backup center, were kind of going head-to-head.”
Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on February 01, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Despite perceptions that Jokic plays reluctantly, on the court he reveals the opposite. “They were like, ‘No, Mike, wait till the real games come. You’re going to see this dude’s a problem. He could score 50 every single night if he wanted to.’ I didn’t see it at first, but I quickly found out that nah, he is him and he is the best player in the world.”
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Porter Jr. also emphasized that Jokic’s approach goes beyond perception, comparing him to LeBron James in terms of consistency and professionalism. “People think Nikola doesn’t care that much, but he cares so much about basketball and being great, and that’s why he is the player he is. I haven’t seen anyone in my life that consistent.”
“You know, I’ve heard the stories of LeBron and how he maintains his greatness day to day. Nikola is the same way,” Porter Jr. continued. “It doesn’t matter if he goes out the night before. It doesn’t matter. He’s getting his work in, he’s getting his treatment, he’s taking care of himself, and he’s going to be ready to go when the game comes around,” Porter Jr. said, highlighting Jokic’s relentless preparation.
For Nuggets fans and NBA observers alike, Porter Jr.’s reflections shed light on why Jokic has become one of the most dominant and disciplined players in the league, quietly matching the standards set by the game’s elite.
