Caitlin Clark has a reputation for seeing the game differently from most. When the two-time WNBA All-Star called Nikola Jokic the best player in the world on national television, it sparked immediate conversation.
Jokic’s response was every bit as entertaining as the praise itself.
Nikola Jokic’s Hilarious Response to Caitlin Clark’s Praise
Caitlin Clark made her comments during a guest analyst appearance on NBC’s “Basketball Night in America” on Sunday, where she was joined by Maria Taylor, Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthony, and Tracy McGrady.
When the conversation turned to Jokic, she held nothing back. “He didn’t miss a beat. I think everybody knew he was going to do everything he could to get back. I mean, there’s not many people that average a triple-double. You’re lucky enough to get maybe a couple of those in a season, he’s done it all year long, and in back-to-back years,” Clark said.
“It’s pretty incredible. Honestly, he’s probably my favorite player to watch. I think he’s the best player in the world.”
Soon after the Denver Nuggets’ 116-93 win over the Golden State Warriors later that night, where he posted 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, Jokic commented on CC’s admiration. Without missing a beat, he said, “We have the same agent,” in his signature deadpan, cracking a smile. “That’s why she said it.”
The quip landed. Both Jokic and Clark are represented by Excel Sports Management, founded by prominent NBA agent Jeff Schwartz, though each player has their own individual representatives within the agency. The joke was classic Jokic. It was a combination of self-deprecating, effortlessly charming, and completely unbothered by the spotlight.
Clark’s praise, however, went well beyond surface-level admiration. The Indiana Fever star elaborated on exactly what makes Jokic so compelling to watch.
“You run two at him, he’s gonna make the right play. He’s gonna find the right pass. There’s not many big players that can make the right pass, make the right read. He does it every single game. You go check the box score, he’s taken five shots in the first half but he has 12 assists. No matter what the other team does, he’s gonna find a way to tear you apart,” she said.
Coming from a player of Clark’s caliber, who is also a prolific scorer with elite court vision of her own, the assessment carries genuine weight.
And truly, Jokic’s numbers back up every word of Clark’s claim.
Heading into the Warriors game, Jokic was averaging 27.9 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.8 assists. These numbers have him firmly in the MVP conversation for the sixth consecutive season. He is one of just nine players in NBA history to win at least three MVP awards, and this season marks the second straight year he has averaged a triple-double across the full campaign.
