Nikola Jokić has established himself as one of the NBA’s most versatile and influential players. But the Denver Nuggets superstar didn’t develop his game in a vacuum. He studied some of the greatest players in basketball history, taking inspiration from their individual strengths and applying those lessons to his own style.
In a quote shared on social media and attributed to The Players’ Tribune, Jokić explained which legends he watched growing up and what he wanted to learn from each of them.
“When YouTube came out around the time I was 15, I watched Magic for his passing, Hakeem for his post moves, and Jordan because he’s Jordan.”
That final line might be the most memorable part of the entire quote.
Magic Johnson for Passing
Magic Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his size, court vision and ability to make teammates better. His creativity in transition and willingness to deliver passes others couldn’t see made him one of basketball’s most influential playmakers.
Jokić has developed a similar reputation as a passing big man. From no-look assists to pinpoint deliveries through tight defensive windows, his ability to read the floor has become one of the defining features of his game.
Although their positions and playing styles differ, both players demonstrate that elite passing is about more than technique. It’s about anticipating what happens next.
Hakeem Olajuwon for Post Moves
Hakeem Olajuwon built his legacy with exceptional footwork, balance and an array of moves around the basket. His famous Dream Shake became a signature example of how skill and deception can neutralize even the strongest defenders.
Jokić has his own collection of post moves, pivots, fakes and soft-touch finishes. He combines those skills with his size and strength to create scoring opportunities against defenders who often know what’s coming but still struggle to stop him.
Studying Olajuwon offered a blueprint for using footwork and positioning to gain an advantage without relying exclusively on speed or vertical explosiveness.
Michael Jordan Because He’s Michael Jordan
Then there’s Jordan.
Jokić’s explanation for studying the six-time NBA champion was simple: “because he’s Jordan.”
Jordan’s impact extended beyond his scoring titles, championships and individual awards. His competitive reputation, footwork, midrange game and ability to perform under pressure made him a standard against which generations of players have measured themselves.
Jokić didn’t need to name a particular Jordan skill. The entire body of work was worth studying.
The Value of Studying Basketball History
Jokić’s answer offers a reminder that today’s superstars can learn from the players who defined previous eras.
He studied Johnson’s passing, Olajuwon’s post game and Jordan’s overall greatness. Yet Jokić didn’t become a copy of any of them. He developed a style of his own, blending elite vision, touch, decision-making and scoring into a skill set that makes him difficult to defend.
That’s what makes the quote resonate: the best players don’t necessarily reinvent every part of the game. Sometimes, they study what already works, understand why it works and find a way to make it their own.
Greatness studies greatness.
Who Would You Study?
If you were a young basketball player trying to become an all-time great, which legends would you study?
Would you choose Magic Johnson for playmaking, Hakeem Olajuwon for footwork, Michael Jordan for his complete offensive arsenal—or someone else entirely?
Let us know in the comments.
