Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ star center, may not fit the typical mold of an NBA superstar, yet he embodies greatness with his incredible talent and passion for the game. While other players may prioritize their NBA careers year-round, Jokic’s refreshingly relatable approach reveals his true love for the sport and his need for well-deserved breaks.
Unlike the often overhyped “iconoclast” label, Jokic doesn’t strive to break boundaries or revolutionize the game. Instead, he focuses on being the best version of himself, consistently delivering exceptional performances on the court. However, there is more to Jokic than just basketball prowess. His endearing love for horses and all things equine adds another layer of charm to his personality.
When asked about his occasional NBA indifference, particularly in October, Jokic walks the same path as any professional athlete who faces the challenge of preparing for battle after only a short offseason. Playing basketball deep into June is physically and mentally demanding, especially for champions like Jokic, who enjoy a mere 107-day break between victory celebrations and NBA media day.
What sets Jokic apart from other players is the way he exceeds our expectations without seeking the limelight. Our relationship with him is not the typical fan-to-professional dynamic, where we adore the game while the player merely tolerates it. His understanding of fandom and love for NBA basketball shines through, making him one of us. Jokic even shares our online habits, indulging in horse videos on YouTube alongside the rest of us.
There’s no denying that Jokic is the best player in the NBA. Locked in a friendly competition with the likes of Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo, he brings unparalleled entertainment value to the game. His exceptional passing skills as a big man have no precedence in the league. Since 2020, he has averaged an astonishing 8.6 assists per game, a feat rarely achieved by centers in NBA history.
Comparing Jokic to legendary centers of the past only solidifies his unique style of play. From Johnny “Red” Kerr to Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Vlade Divac, and Bill Walton, no center has possessed Jokic’s passing ability or audacity on the court. Instead of waiting for a big play to capture the audience’s attention, Jokic keeps the game flowing, never pausing or conforming to the expectations of cameras and commentators.
Growing up in Sombor, a town in northern Serbia, Jokic witnessed the heartbreak of Darko Milicic, the NBA’s other Serbian hopeful, whose passion for the game faded quickly. In contrast, Jokic found joy and a natural talent for basketball, shining on the court even in his youth. Sombor is also the hometown of Basketball Hall of Famer Radivoj Korać, whose legendary dedication to the game unfortunately ended in tragedy.
Jokic’s approach to basketball is a reflection of his understanding of life’s priorities. He recognizes that obsessively working on the game all year-round is not necessary to achieve success. Instead, he chooses to spend his offseason sweating off any excess weight gained and indulging in his love for horses. Jokic subscribes to hard-won NBA truths that emphasize the importance of rest and personal fulfillment outside of the game.
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