A simple take turned into a loud debate, because that is how the internet works. NBA Fans went back and forth after a clip and quote made the rounds involving Austin Rivers and Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
According to @TheDunkCentral, Austin Rivers believes SGA would be the biggest star in the NBA if he were American. Rivers did not question SGA’s skill or resume. The idea was about market size, media appeal, and how nationality plays a role in who gets pushed as the face of the league.
That alone sparked discussion among NBA Fans, but things escalated when Nikola Jokic’s name entered the chat.
Austin Rivers believes SGA would be the biggest star in the NBA if he weren’t Canadian
“If he were more active on social media, born in America, and played in a hot market, he’d be the biggest star in the league by a landslide”
(h/t @NBA__Courtside)
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 9, 2025
One post from @TheoryoftheDog said, “Nikola Jokic would be the biggest star in the league if he was black.” That line opened the floodgates.
Another reaction from @Andre747103 went even further, suggesting Jokic would be treated very differently if his background, image, and style fit what the league usually promotes.
“If He was Black they would ignore his triple double stats like they did Westbrook,” the post said. It also added that Jokic would be under nonstop debate about whether his titles count and whether his game style is respected.
The post ended with a blunt point about dunk culture and how flash often sells more than results.
NBA Fans pointed out that Jokic has three MVP awards, multiple deep playoff runs, and a Finals MVP. Yet compared to other superstars, his public profile still feels quiet. No shoe ads every week. No constant commercials. No daily talk show arguments built around his personality.
For many NBA Fans, the discussion wasn’t just about Jokic or SGA. It was about what the league rewards. Flash, nationality, and image clearly matter, even when the tape and trophies say more than enough.
Whether people agree or not, the conversation revealed one thing. NBA Fans are fully aware that greatness alone does not decide who becomes the face of the NBA.
NBA Fans React To Nikola Jokic’s GOAT Answer And Why He Never Cares About The Spotlight
While NBA Fans argue about marketing, race, and nationality, Nikola Jokic continues to act like none of it exists.
A viral post from @Hoopss showed Jokic responding to a reporter who asked, “Nikola, who’s your GOAT?” Jokic’s reply was simple: “I don’t have a GOAT, but I have many horses.”
Nikola Jokic had a perfect response to the GOAT debate 🤣 pic.twitter.com/xVM87KOJ4O
— Hoops (@Hoopss) December 8, 2025
The clip quickly spread online, paired with a still photo of Jokic standing next to the reporter, looking completely serious.
NBA Fans loved it.
Another post from @Humble_Reminder added, “Horses will take you much farther then a GOAT.” The message matched Jokic’s known lifestyle.
He spends offseasons back home, stays away from attention, and focuses almost entirely on family and horse racing instead of brand building.
@JoeLawMetaX summed it up cleanly, saying, “He’s not lying… [laughing emoji].”
For NBA Fans, that is exactly the point. Jokic isn’t just dominant on the court, he simply does not care about the stuff that usually turns players into icons. No slogans. No persona. No long speeches about legacy. He plays, he wins, and he goes home.
Some NBA Fans see that as part of why his popularity debate even exists. He does not chase attention, and the league does not force it on him either. That combination keeps Jokic out of daily headlines unless the game demands it.
In a league powered by noise, Jokic remains quiet. NBA Fans may keep arguing about how big he should be as a star. Jokic will probably keep thinking about horses.
For more sports content
Follow me on X at @ErnestLeo, and follow us at @WisconsinHeroics, @HardwoodHeroics and @GridironHeroics. You can also reach out to Ernest Hernandez via email at ernestleo@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Ernest also manages a YouTube account called Sports On Air with over 108 thousand subscribers while the Facebook counterpart boasts 184 thousand followers. The channel contains interviews predominantly from the Philippine Basketball Association. They can be reached at sportsonairph@gmail.com.
