“Joker would be the most athletic player in the WNBA”: Fans mock Lexie Brown for her comparison with Nikola Jokic
The former WNBA champion attempted to challenge criticism of women's basketball, but her Nikola Jokic comparison quickly became the focus of the debate
L exie Brown has reignited an ongoing conversation about the athleticism of WNBA players after using Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic as part of her response to Michael Porter Jr.' s criticism of the women's game.
Brown's wider argument was aimed at challenging the idea that basketball must involve constant above-the-rim action to be considered athletic or entertaining.
But one particular comment about Jokic prompted a very different reaction from fans, many of whom questioned her description of the three-time NBA MVP.
The debate stems from comments Porter Jr. previously made about the WNBA, in which he questioned aspects of the league's athleticism and entertainment value. The former Nuggets forward had also suggested that lowering the rim could make women's basketball more exciting.
Those remarks generated considerable backlash from WNBA players and supporters. Brown has now revisited the subject during an appearance with Porter Jr. on the Curious Mike YouTube channel, attempting to make the point that elite basketball does not always require spectacular dunks or explosive leaping.
Brown pointed toward Jokic , who spent years alongside Porter Jr. in Denver, as an example of an NBA superstar whose effectiveness does not depend on playing above the rim.
She said: “The point I made about, you know, you eating off a player that plays below the rim and isn’t really athletic and like it wasn’t a shot to you. And I told you that the other night, like I think you’re an amazing player. And I think that, you know, you’ve dealt with your hardships, your injuries and stuff.
“But for the comment of like, “Oh, they’re not athletic. They’re not exciting.” And I’m like, “You literally played with Jokic.” Like, I wouldn’t say he’s not exciting, but he’s a below the rim player. Like, he’s not very fundamental.”
Why fans pushed back on the Jokic comparison
Brown's central point, that athleticism can manifest itself in ways other than jumping, is difficult to dispute. Strength, balance, coordination, reaction speed, endurance and body control are all important components of basketball.
However, fans immediately focused on her claim that Jokic is “not very fundamental.”
That description was particularly controversial because Jokic's game is widely regarded as being built around technical precision rather than explosive athleticism.
His footwork, passing, positioning, touch and ability to manipulate defenders have made him one of the most difficult players in the NBA to defend.
The numbers underline just how unusual his all-around game has become. During the 2025-26 regular season, Jokic averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists while shooting 56.9% from the field and 38% from three-point range.
He also led the NBA in both rebounding and assists, according to Basketball-Reference.
That combination is precisely why many fans rejected the suggestion that Jokic lacks fundamentals. His success comes largely from his ability to read the floor several steps ahead, make difficult passes and consistently exploit defensive weaknesses.
The backlash also overshadowed the broader point Brown was trying to make.
WNBA players have repeatedly pushed back against comparisons that reduce athleticism to dunking. Women's basketball features different physical and tactical characteristics, but the absence of frequent above-the-rim plays does not mean players lack speed, strength, agility or endurance.
Brown herself has considerable experience from inside the league. The former Duke standout was selected ninth overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft and won a championship with the Chicago Sky in 2021 before later playing for the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm.
She has also previously defended the WNBA against Porter Jr.'s comments. In 2024, Brown responded to his discussion of the league by pointing out that he himself was not known primarily for high-flying basketball.
Her latest appearance therefore continues a conversation she has been involved in for several years.
Porter Jr. , meanwhile, has since addressed some of the controversy surrounding his earlier remarks, creating an opportunity for Brown to explain her position directly.
The exchange demonstrates why discussions about the WNBA's athleticism can become so contentious.
There is a legitimate conversation to be had about differences between the men's and women's games, but defining athletic ability purely through dunks or vertical explosiveness ignores many of the skills that make basketball difficult.
Ironically, Jokic may be the perfect example of that principle.
He is not celebrated because of his vertical leap. He dominates because of his extraordinary coordination, size, strength, touch, anticipation and basketball intelligence.
His career, including three MVP awards and the 2023 NBA championship, is evidence that elite athletic performance does not have to look the same for every player.
For Brown , that was ultimately the message she wanted to communicate.
But for many fans, the discussion became less about her defence of WNBA players and more about whether one of the NBA's greatest offensive minds could reasonably be described as lacking fundamentals.
And that distinction has ensured the debate over Brown's comments is likely to continue well beyond the original conversation.
