Helena Frye
There is a perception that Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets star and two-time league MVP, does not care about basketball. This is due to his comments during his historic postseason run, where he suggested that basketball was more of a job than anything else and that he wanted to go home instead of to the championship parade. However, it is clear that Jokic loves the game of basketball and works incredibly hard to be the player he is today. He has stated that basketball means everything in his life, and his recent viral comments about his relationship with the game have helped push back against the narrative that he does not care about it. While Jokic values his family and overall life more than the game, he is still a workhorse who loves basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nikola Jokic's favorite thing | Family |
| His attitude towards basketball | Jokic has a deep relationship with basketball and loves the game, but it's not the main thing in his life |
| His attitude towards his career as an NBA player | Jokic doesn't hate his job as an NBA player |
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What You'll Learn
Nikola Jokic's viral comments on basketball
Nikola Jokic, the Serbian Denver Nuggets star, has had a few comments go viral in the past. Known for his exceptional basketball skills, Jokic has often been in the news for his comments on the game and his career.
Jokic has been very open about his relationship with basketball, and his comments have often suggested that basketball is more of a job for him. After the Nuggets' first championship win, he was eager to get home to Serbia and even did not want a parade to celebrate the victory. However, he later changed his mind. Jokic has also said that basketball is not the main thing in his life and that he likes it that way. He has something more important at home, which is his family. He has also been quoted saying, "Basketball means everything in my life", which has gone viral as it contradicts the popular perception that Jokic does not care about the game.
Jokic's comments have often been taken too literally, creating a perception that he does not care about basketball. However, the truth is that he does care and has worked incredibly hard to become the player he is today. He is a three-time NBA MVP and a two-time Olympic medalist, with several other accolades to his name.
Jokic has also gone viral for his unusual full-court attempt during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. With just 0.3 seconds left in the third quarter, Jokic made a water-polo-esque sweep of the ball, signalling to his teammate Peyton Watson to throw it in his direction. He then tipped it with one hand across the full length of the court, just missing the hoop. This move showcased Jokic's deep understanding of the game's rules and his creative approach to playing.
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Jokic's work ethic and NBA career
Nikola Jokić is a Serbian professional basketball player who joined the Denver Nuggets in 2015, one season after being drafted. He is known for his exceptional work ethic, which has been praised by teammates and coaches alike. Jokić is often the first to arrive and the last to leave the gym, demonstrating his dedication to improving his skills and maintaining his performance. He follows a strict pre-game routine, which includes a good breakfast, a morning walk-through, and a 15-minute shooting routine before tip-off. This consistent routine has contributed to his success on the court and has made him a model for younger players.
Jokić's NBA career began in the 2015-16 season, and he quickly established himself as a talented player. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors and finished third in the 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year Award voting. In the following seasons, Jokić continued to improve and showcase his abilities, finishing second in the 2017 NBA Most Improved Player Award voting. He recorded impressive statistics, including multiple triple-doubles, and became the first Nuggets player since 2011 to be selected for the NBA All-Star Game in 2019.
Jokić's success in the NBA can be attributed to his hard work, consistency, and dedication to his craft. He has achieved several milestones throughout his career, including becoming the first player in NBA history to record a 2,000-point, 1,000-rebound, 500-assist season. Additionally, he has been praised for his defensive skills, finishing first in the defensive plus-minus box for three consecutive seasons. Jokić's performance has led many commentators to describe him as a "basketball genius," placing him among the all-time greats in the league.
Despite his success, Jokić has stated that basketball is not the main thing in his life and that he prioritizes his family and overall well-being. This perspective has allowed him to maintain a healthy balance between his career and personal life, demonstrating that he values both excellence in his sport and time with his loved ones. Jokić's approach to his career and life showcases a mature and thoughtful attitude, which has likely contributed to his sustained success in the NBA.
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Jokic's relationship with his teammates
Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets forward and center, has been described as a "basketball genius" by commentators, citing his game IQ and offensive creativity. He has achieved numerous accolades, including being a two-time league MVP and an NBA champion and Finals MVP. Despite this, Jokic himself has stated that basketball is not the main thing in his life, indicating that he values his family and overall life more highly. However, he has also expressed that basketball means everything to him, demonstrating a deep relationship with the sport.
One notable moment in Jokic's relationship with his teammates was during the close-out game of the Finals. Jordan, a teammate, implored Jokic to speak up and be more vocal. Jokic agreed, saying, "If I do it and it doesn't work, it's your fault." During the third quarter, cameras captured Jokic yelling animatedly at his teammates during a timeout, demonstrating his willingness to step up and lead when needed.
Jokic has also made NBA history with some of his teammates. With Jamal Murray, they became the first pair of teammates to each average at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists throughout a postseason. Additionally, in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Jokic and Murray became the second pair of teammates in NBA history to each put up at least 25 points and 10 assists in an NBA Finals game. These achievements showcase the strong bond and synergy between Jokic and his teammates, as they push each other to excel and create historic moments together.
Overall, Jokic's relationship with his teammates is characterized by a shared passion for the sport, mutual respect for each other's talents, and a drive to create memorable moments on the court. While Jokic may not always be the most vocal leader, he has earned the respect of his teammates through his exceptional skills, hard work, and willingness to step up when needed.
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Jokic's family life and other interests
Nikola Jokic is a Serbian professional basketball player who plays as a center for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Despite his impressive career, Jokic has stated that basketball is not the main thing in his life, and that he has something more important at home.
Jokic's family life is clearly very important to him. He has been married to his wife, Natalija Jokic, since October 2020, and they have two children together: a daughter, Ognjena, born in September 2021, and a son, Ignjat, born in November 2024. The family currently lives in Denver, where they moved in 2015 when Jokic joined the Nuggets. Natalija is often seen cheering on her husband at his games, and the couple frequently returns to their hometown of Sombor, Serbia, to visit family and friends. Jokic has stated that he plans to return to Sombor with his family once his NBA career is over, as he values the peaceful and familiar surroundings of his hometown.
In addition to his family life, Jokic has other interests and hobbies outside of basketball. He has been known to enjoy extreme water sports, such as rafting in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and horse racing in Sweden, where he owns several horses. He also has a passion for cars and driving, and values his independence and ability to navigate without assistance. During his early years in Denver, Jokic lived with his two older brothers, Nemanja and Strahinja, and the three siblings often played intense indoor basketball and video games together. Jokic's competitive spirit and strong work ethic have contributed to his success in the NBA, while his diverse interests and family values have provided a well-rounded perspective on life.
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Jokic's public perception and expressiveness
Nikola Jokić has gained a reputation for not being expressive about his love for basketball. After the Denver Nuggets won their first championship, it seemed like Jokić hated every minute of it, as he wanted to get home to Serbia as soon as possible. He also initially didn't want to attend the championship parade, although he quickly changed his mind once it started.
Jokić has contributed to this perception with some of his comments. During his historic postseason run, his comments often suggested basketball was more of a job than anything else. He has also stated that basketball is not the main thing in his life and that he likes this because he has something more important at home. However, many people have taken these comments too literally, and the truth is that Jokić does care about basketball and works incredibly hard to be the player he is. He has even stated that basketball "means everything in my life".
Jokić's lack of expressiveness may be due to the fact that he rarely gets hyped by his own plays, but anything that he feels can get in the way of him winning gets him fired up. He does get hyped about plays made by his teammates. Jokić's expressiveness, or lack thereof, has created confusion, with some believing that he doesn't care about basketball. However, as one Reddit user points out, "you literally have to be obsessed with something to be as good as Jokic is at it".
Jokić's public perception is that of a player who is not expressive about his love for the game, but the reality is that he does care deeply about basketball and has worked hard to become one of the best players in the world. He has a deep relationship with the game and, while he may not always show it in the most conventional ways, his passion and dedication to the sport are undeniable.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Nikola Jokic likes basketball. Although he has said that basketball is not the main thing in his life, he has also stated that basketball means everything to him.
Yes, Nikola Jokic is good at basketball. He is a two-time league MVP and an NBA champion and Finals MVP.
Nikola Jokic plays for the Denver Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic is from Serbia.
Yes, Nikola Jokic likes his job as an NBA player. Although he has said that he wanted to go home to Serbia instead of attending the championship parade, he has also stated that he loves the game of basketball.
