Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. found himself at the center of NBA discourse this week, but not for his play on the court. The former Denver Nugget went viral after a livestream where he confidently named Nikola Jokić, not Michael Jordan or LeBron James, as the greatest player in NBA history.

The declaration lit up social media, with fans, analysts, and former pros weighing in on whether Porter showed loyalty, bias, or simply poor judgment.

Why Did Michael Porter Jr. Surprisingly Pick Nikola Jokić as the GOAT?

During a livestream with Plaqueboymax, Porter wasted no time answering the age-old GOAT debate.

“I’m going Nikola Jokić. The reason I say that is because he could have won MVP five years in a row. Can you name another player that could have won MVP five years in a row? Not really.”

Porter also explained that he respects legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. However, his perspective came from playing alongside Jokić during Denver’s title run and MVP campaigns. “I didn’t get to see Michael Jordan day in and day out. I get to see Nikola every game, every day… For me, I’m saying him,” he added.

Porter, who spent six of his seven NBA seasons with the Nuggets before being traded to Brooklyn this offseason, clearly still holds immense admiration for his former teammate. Jokić has three MVP trophies, seven All-Star appearances, and a Finals MVP on his résumé. Those are impressive credentials by any standard.

But even with Porter’s reasoning, it didn’t take long for fans to unload their thoughts online. Many ripped Porter apart for overlooking legends like LeBron and Jordan.

One fan bluntly wrote, “Bron should have won 6 MVPs in a row from 2008-2013… MPJ might be the dumbest player in the NBA”.

Another fan criticized the broader trend of player podcasts and livestreams. “Players who have podcasts expose how much these players don’t know ball. Just stick to playing.”

Others simply couldn’t believe LeBron James wasn’t at the top of Porter’s list. “He never heard of LeBron James I guess.”

Many echoed the sentiment that LeBron was robbed of MVPs in the late 2000s and early 2010s. “LeBron should have 6 to 7 MVP’s. He was robbed in multiple years as well.”

This reaction hardly needs any words. LeBron’s face here speaks volumes about Porter’s judgment for this fan.

The general theme among fans: Porter’s loyalty to Jokić might have clouded his judgment in the broader, historic conversation.

What Makes Porter’s Case for Jokić Different from Other GOAT Arguments?

While Porter’s comments struck a nerve, his reasoning isn’t baseless. From 2021 to 2025, Jokić won the MVP or finished as runner-up, a stretch of dominance rarely seen in the history of the NBA. Three MVPs in five years, a Finals MVP, and Denver’s first championship put him in rarefied air.

Advanced stats also bolster Porter’s claim. Jokić became the third player in history to average a triple-double over a season and has recorded some of the highest single-season Player Efficiency Ratings ever. Plus, he consistently ranks among the league leaders in advanced impact metrics like Box Plus/Minus.

Still, the GOAT debate isn’t just about numbers. Jordan’s six championships and global influence, along with James’ longevity and all-around dominance for over two decades, make them the default answers for most fans and experts.

Porter’s perspective may run deeper than what fans understand. He had the privilege of playing alongside Jokić in his prime. During Denver’s 2023 championship run, he witnessed how the Joker elevated everyone around him with his vision, composure, and ability to control the game from the center position.

To him, the Serbian isn’t just great — he’s his former superstar teammate, whom he watched work magic every night.

Porter’s opinion might never become the general consensus, but his take has more to do with appreciating Jokić’s brilliance rather than disrespecting legends. When you’ve seen greatness up close every day, that perspective shapes how you view the entire conversation.