Mike Miller Explains How He Coined 'Joker' Nickname for Nikola Jokic in Video

Nikola Jokić has one of the most iconic nicknames in the NBA in "Joker," but the origin of that nickname wasn't exactly clear.

His former teammate, Mike Miller, explained on Podcast P with Paul George how he gave the three-time MVP his nickname early in his career.

"I have him the nickname Joker, one because I couldn't say 'Jokić, pass the f--king ball,' so I said, 'Joker, pass the ball,'" Miller said (19:25 mark). "His personality and the way he plays, it's like a Joker. Every time I saw him, that's a joke... I should have trademarked it."

As Miller said, trademarking Jokić's nickname might have been a good idea. Since he was coined "Joker," Jokić has established himself as one of the best players of his generation. In the process, he got his own signature shoe called the "Joker 1."

Miller spent just two seasons at the tail end of his career in Denver in 2015-16 and 2016-17, which put him on the Nuggets for Jokić's first two NBA seasons. While the two didn't spend that much time together, Miller left his mark on Jokić's career.