The WNBA has long lived in the shadow of the NBA when it comes to highlight-reel comparisons. But one Phoenix Mercury rookie is reportedly flipping that script in a big way — and insiders say the league better take notice.
Jovana Nogic, the Serbian-born guard who joined the Mercury this season, is allegedly drawing direct comparisons to none other than NBA Hall-of-Famer Magic Johnson. And according to sources close to the situation, she’s not just flattered by the comparison — she’s actively embracing it.
“Definitely Magic Johnson,” Nogic reportedly told Mercury.com after Phoenix’s 78-72 win over the Portland Fire on Friday. “That’s my favorite player.”
At first glance, the comparison might seem like a stretch. But those who’ve watched Nogic closely this season claim the tape doesn’t lie. We’re talking wrap-around passes that seem to defy physics, near full-court outlet bombs, and — most strikingly — an uncanny ability to see two or three plays ahead of everyone else on the floor. Sources say these are the exact traits Phoenix has been desperately searching for.
The chemistry fueling Nogic’s Magic-like moments? Insiders point to her pick-and-roll partnership with center Natasha Mack. The two have reportedly developed a near-telepathic connection, with Nogic whipping no-look lasers and spinning passes that leave defenders frozen — and Mack ready to finish.
Friday’s game threw an extra log on the fire. With the Mercury’s star-studded injury list piling up, Nogic was allegedly forced into a heavier offensive load. She ran the floor alongside defensive standout Monique Akoa Makani, and the pair reportedly formed a yin-and-yang dynamic that gave fans a glimpse of what this team could look like without superstars Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas on the hardwood.
“That backcourt duo was electric,” one league insider told us. “If Nogic keeps playing like this, Phoenix might not miss a beat even when the stars return.”
It’s not like Nogic’s surge came out of nowhere. She reportedly broke Mercury records earlier this season, and while she’s cooled off slightly since then, her shooting numbers remain historically elite: 44% from deep and nearly 90% from the free-throw line. But those numbers, impressive as they are, aren’t what’s got the league buzzing. It’s the passing. The vision. The court sense that reminds people of one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Up next: a Tuesday showdown with the Golden State Valkyries. If Nogic gets another starting nod, sources say fans should expect more of that Hall-of-Fame swagger. And if the whispers are right, this Serbian sensation might just be the spark that lights a fire under the Mercury’s entire season.
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