Denver Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokić is widely regarded as one of the best passing big men in the history of the NBA. But perhaps surprisingly, when Denver Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton was asked about whether this would translate to being an NFL quarterback, Payton actually had a different NFL position in mind for the three-time NBA MVP.
Speaking with Nuggets’ sideline reporter Katy Winge on the team’s pregame show on Altitude Sports Network, Payton couldn’t deny the natural passing ability of Jokič. But instead of seeing him as an NFL quarterback, he shared how he believes his soft hands would naturally translate best to the tight end position.
“I like it,” replied Payton. “I see a tight end though. I don’t see a quarterback. I think that’s why Mike (Malone) has kept me away from the warmup here. Probably can’t pay him as much as he gets paid.
“Obviously, it’s one thing to pass. But you also see someone who catches and has got real soft hands. I think what is really underrated or never discussed is how someone can accept a pass. Some people don’t have natural ball skills. He seems to have that. The other thing we were just discussing is his stamina and his availability each night. He’s got that recovery a lot of players don’t have.”
With Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton in the house in Indianapolis, I had to ask him what he sees when he watches Nikola Jokić.
Tremendous answer. pic.twitter.com/bND1WB5Yms
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) February 25, 2025
Payton, of course, has experience as an NFL analyst during his brief retirement from the NFL, joining the NFL on Fox studio team for the 2022-23 NFL season before returning to coaching in Denver.
He also has an eye for basketball talent. Former Miami Hurricanes basketball star Jimmy Graham would of course go on to play a pivotal role for Payton as a tight end over the years in the dynamic New Orleans Saints’ offense.
However, when you combine the two skills, Payton’s analysis may have been off a little bit based on Jokić’s performance on Monday night. With Payton in attendance, Jokić would go on to put on a passing clinic that perhaps had Peyton rethinking his analysis, putting up a career-high 19 assists in a 125-116 win over the Indiana Pacers.
Sean Payton witnessed Nikola Jokic dish out a career-high 19 assists. 🏀🏈pic.twitter.com/VnPNwjE1qY https://t.co/ThyfLsVARR
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 25, 2025
But the other funny thing here is that Jokić’s “Joker” nickname translates to a Payton–popularized nickname for a particular type of receiver who can shine across positions:
🚨🚨 Latest from @RememberTheTE
Sean Payton described his need for a “Joker” to the great @heykayadams. Between the direction of modern O, the missing essentials of Payton’s pass game, and the guys in this class, it’s not hard to find someone who can wear that makeup. 🔗⏬ pic.twitter.com/W5PYMirxr8
— Max Toscano (@maxtoscano1) February 23, 2025
So it makes some sense why he might want Jokić as a tight end. Still, as Payton noted here, it would be hard to match the $51.42 million on Jokić’s NBA salary this season.
