Charles Barkley Attunes Nikola Jokic to Not Just Larry Bird but Also Magic Johnson ? How True Is This Claim?

Since taking over the league and vaulting into all-time conversations, Nikola Jokic has drawn a fair few comparisons. Due to his playstyle and athletic limitations, his success at the NBA level was questionable. After all, this is the same guy whose draft picture was a Taco Bell commercial. But, through hard work, commitment, and genius-level basketball IQ, Jokic has made his name. As a result, today, he is undeniable. A 3-year stretch has seen him catapult contemporaries and firmly enter all-time discussions. Thus, the comparisons are significantly less as he cements himself as one-of-a-kind. But, there remain some obvious parallels between his playstyle and others from yesteryears.

Taking into account those same comparisons, Charles Barkley made the case for two all-time greats. While the classic “Great White Guy” label drew Larry Bird comparisons, Barkley simultaneously put him in a class with Magic Johnson. At first glance, the comparison seems like a little too much. However, diving in, the similarities are aplenty.

Charles Barkley points to Nikola Jokic’s likenesses

Throughout his career, the Denver Nuggets superstar has dealt with a lot of naysayers. While some point to his physique, others point to his defensive limitations. However, Barkley, like others, is starting to recognize the value that the Serbian brings to the table. As a result, all-time rankings and comparisons are becoming commonplace.

Speaking on the Dan Patrick show, Barkley had a relatively nonchalant comment. In a discussion about the NBA player’s abilities, the Philadelphia 76ers legend couldn’t help but marvel at the Joker‘s greatness. Due to the relatively unathletic playstyle with reliance on fundamentals, Chuck had a unique comparison.

“He reminds me of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. Because, neither one of those guys you would say had exceptional athletic ability. But, they are two of the greatest players ever because of hard work, [and] brains, and work ethic.”?

While the Larry Bird comparisons are aplenty, the Magic Johnson one was new. So, let’s dive into how that might be an accurate dissection by the Phoenix Suns legend.

Nikola Jokic – The Magic Johnson after Magic Johnson

Of course, the two aren’t eerily similar. That bit is pretty obvious if you just look at them. One is a Serbian beast standing at 6’11, while the other is a 6’9 Michigan native with a?winning?smile. But, there is one particular criterion where the two might as well be twins.

When Magic first came into the league as its savior, a 6’9″ point guard was a genuine anomaly. However, his flare, flamboyance, efficiency, and wizardry with a basketball made Johnson a rousing success. At the time, it was impossible to predict such a large man flourishing in the PG role, though.

Today, the same comments are true for Nikola Jokic. During his developmental years, when he would showcase flashes of his inevitable greatness, doubts lingered about the ceiling of a Point Center. But, through back-to-back MVPs and a generational playoff run en route to his first NBA Championship, Jokic silenced all doubters. Perhaps it was fitting that another anomaly like the Joker became the first-ever recipient of the Magic Johnson Award.

Both Jokic and the Los Angeles Lakers legend act as big-bodied Point Guards. Even though their scoring prowess is immense and shows up at the most opportune moments, their greatest skill relies on their ability to facilitate and create for others. Where other greats look for their own shot, these two basketball maestros are more than happy to provide an assist.

Watch This Story: Charles Barkley Slyly Takes A Dig At LeBron James, Stephen Curry, And Kevin Durant While Putting Nikola Jokic On A Pedestal

But Nikola Jokic wasn’t the first pseudo-Point Guard to wow the league. That distinction lies with the other man Charles Barkley attributed him to.

Just another White Guy or the next Larry Bird?

Since Larry Bird first shook the foundations of a league and defined the landscape of the NBA alongside Magic, every white guy worth his salt receives the same comparison. It is practically a meme at this point. But every talented white guy automatically gets the title of the next Larry Bird.?

However, those comparisons could not be more true than in the case of?the Joker.?While Luka Doncic fits the bill to a tee in terms of physical attributes, Nikola takes the cake for skillset. Even though both are primary scoring options, they do tend to amaze with their passing game more often than not.

Larry was among the first true Point Forwards, averaging around 6 assists a game for his career. Similarly, Jokic became the first true Point Center, taking on a far bigger role on offense than the typical Big Man post-up. As a result, his career assist average is right around that same number.

Both Larry and Joker have shown the importance of skill. Due to their examples, it has become abundantly clear that the end all be all of basketball remains skill. As a result, both stand high atop most generational rankings. Even though some might argue about Larry’s feasibility in today’s league, they do not undermine his greatness and influence on the sport.

One, that is distinctly visible in the case of the 2x MVP Jokic. However, while the mud is dry for the men who made the NBA what it is today, Nikola is still writing his story.

The path forward for Nikola Jokic

In the case of both Bird and Magic, they came into the league into established, historic franchises. While Magic went to the Lakers, Bird’s destiny was with a team that had 13 titles already on its mantle, the Boston Celtics. By comparison, Nikola Jokic became a member of the lowly Denver Nuggets.

While the two yesteryear greats made their own name for historic franchises, the case for Jokic has been far more different. His title in 2023 was the first in the Nuggets’ history. But, with the way things are shaking out, it definitely does not look like their last.

Read More: ?Most Humblest M*****f*****?: Nikola Jokic Receives the Highest Order of Appreciation From Former NBA Champions

The real question now is: How much further can Nikola Jokic climb the all-time rankings? Almost inarguably, he is one of the 20 greatest players this league has ever seen. But, with Charles Barkley making Magic and Bird comparisons, the true apex of his ceiling might be far higher than most current predictions as well.

With two of the top-10 players of all time serving as accurate comparisons, where will the story end for The Joker,?Nikola Jokic?

Editorial Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssentiallySports.