Analyst Stephen A. Smith hosted 2023 Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero on the latest episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show. When asked who his favorite player in the league is, the rookie named Nikola Jokic. The Joker has clearly outperformed all of the expectations he set for himself when he first entered the NBA in 2015.

Jokic went from being passed over by 30 teams to being the 41st selection of the Denver Nuggets, and he demonstrated his worth by earning two MVP awards, one NBA championship, and one Finals MVP in eight seasons. However, the answer seemed to surprise SAS for a moment.

“What the hell is it about him?” he exclaimed. This guy can’t even jump over a curb. Nobody can stop him, and he’s incredible. What is it about him that makes him so exceptional?” The Orlando Magic star had an excellent rationale to back up his allegation. Banchero responded to Smith, “I think it’s a certain knowledge and a certain cadence that basketball like there is on the court.”

Nikola Jokic possesses exceptional intelligence and court vision, which complement his abilities as a potential league superstar. Banchero added to this by saying,

“I believe [Nikola Jokic] has just mastered that with his decision-making about when to score and when to pass.” The way he attacks you, he’s pretty much automatic anyplace in the paint, on top of being able to knock down shots and make you pay when you double team.”

Nikola Jokic’s contributions to the Denver Nuggets winning their first championship will never be forgotten. Since his arrival, the Mile High City has entered the major leagues among NBA franchises, establishing its position as a league powerhouse.

Given the wonders the Joker has accomplished in the NBA over the years, Paolo Banchero’s explanation may be well warranted. Shaq and Anthony Edwards appear to agree with this analogy as well.

Shaquille O’Neal and Anthony Edwards both sent flowers to Nikola Jokic.

Eminent NBA figures have praised Nikola Jokic for his performance. Anthony Edwards, one of the league’s brightest emerging players, has expressed his admiration and admiration for Nuggets center Nikola Jokic.

In an interview with Complex, Edwards stated, “I gotta give Joki his flowers.” “Exactly how he appeared during that playoff run.” He simply controlled everyone…He simply went through everyone.”

Furthermore, Shaquille O’Neal, the renowned NBA center, put the Nuggets player high on his list. Just months after dubbing the Joker ‘Slavic Lasagna,’ the four-time NBA champion uploaded an Instagram reel on his story claiming Jokic was the best player in the league at the time. Receiving roses from one of the league’s best centers certainly adds weight to the Joker’s case.