DHJ Quick Take

Caitlin Clark’s Praise: During a guest appearance on the NBA on NBC panel, the Indiana Fever star spoke at length about her admiration for Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić’s game.

The Shared Connection: Both athletes are represented by Excel Sports Management, specifically by agent Jeff Schwartz. Jokić used this professional tie to deflect the compliment with his trademark dry humor and humility.

On-Court Performance: Jokić and Clark are two of the best basketball players in the world.

Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić had a perfectly dry explanation for why Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark labeled him the “best player in the world.” Following the Nuggets’ 116-93 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, March 29, the three-time MVP was asked about Clark’s high praise during her appearance on the NBA on NBC panel, and with a characteristic smirk, Jokić deflected the compliment with a hilariously practical truth: “We have the same agent. That’s why she said that.”

Jokić and Clark are represented by Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management. They are two of the best basketball players in the world and captivate fans with their extraordinary skills each time they step on the court.

For the Nuggets this season, Jokić is averaging 27.9 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.8 assists per game while shooting 57.3% from the field, 38.8% from beyond the arc and 82.8% from the free-throw line. He’s looking to average a triple-double for an entire season for the first time in his Hall of Fame career.

Denver is in fourth place in the rugged Western Conference standings. Jokić, who led the Nuggets to the 2023 championship, is on a mission to win his fourth MVP, second NBA championship and second Finals MVP.

Meanwhile, Clark appeared in only 13 games for the Fever last season because of injuries. She averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists per contest and shot 36.7% from the floor, 27.9% from 3 and 82.0% from the foul line. The guard clearly wasn’t herself.

Clark, though, showed the entire basketball world that she’s healthy again during the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament. The Iowa product was named MVP of the tournament after helping Team USA to a 5-0 record while averaging 11.6 points and a team-high 6.4 assists per game.

It will be fascinating to see if Clark can win a WNBA championship with the Fever. As for the Nuggets, they will always be a contender to win it all with Jokić leading the way.