The world only knew him as the second Serbian to have the nickname ‘Joker’. Now, Nikola Jokic has ascended to a level of stardom, that very few in NBA history have achieved. But even after Jokic’s all-time great performances, fans and pundits seem to ignore the Centre’s greatness. And joining this list of uninitiated pundits, is none other than America’s very own, Pat McAfee. 

Jokic and the Nuggets have dominated the playoffs so far, eliminating the likes of Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant on their way to a WCF appearance. Now, with their latest rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, staring down a 3-0 pit of humiliating defeat, Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are finally ready to demand the respect they deserve.

Pat McAfee admits to a major Jokic goof-up

McAfee is one of the primetime voices in all of football. The former NFL player and host of the ‘Pat McAfee Show’ is a mammoth sports fan. But even with his exceptional knowledge of sports, it seems like he was unaware of the greatness of Nikola Jokic. Coming off his recently signed ESPN contract, McAfee admitted not knowing of Jokic’s existence before his legendary playoff run began. 

“Shoutout to joker being the most talented basketball player on earth. It’s a joy watching him play basketball…We didn’t know that he existed for most of the year,“ McAfee said.

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Living all the way down in Indianapolis, McAfee justified his lack of awareness on the cable basketball broadcast, for only showing Los Angeles Lakers games. Even still, after securing 2 NBA MVPs, and consistently ranking as one of the league’s premier faces, the undercover greatness of Jokic has been confusing and downright disrespectful in the eyes of many Nuggets fans. 

The ‘Joker’ is ready to triumph over the ‘King’ 

When it comes to the NBA, only the top names in the league get all the shine. Their names become synonymous with greatness, and their every move is closely followed and analyzed. Players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry have reached such iconic status that their names are immediately recognized by even the most casual sports fans. 

But Jokic has done more than enough to warrant a mention amongst the greatest of greats. As McAfee himself declared, Jokic has perhaps snatched the crown, of the best player in basketball, with both hands. With his Nuggets just a win away from the NBA finals, and their final roadblock before an NBA Championship, Jokic and Co will look to put away the Lebron James-led Lakers with a humiliating series sweep. 

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