Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic has won at almost every level of basketball in the NBA. He’s won a championship, a Finals MVP and the regular-season MVP three times. Despite his stacked resume, there have been talks about his love for the game.
Most of it comes from what fans have seen when he led the Nuggets to a title in 2023, and compared it to his reaction seeing his horses win in races. Most assume that he doesn’t care about playing basketball and would prefer to see his horses achieve success. But in a recent 1-on-1 interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews shuts down the narrative regarding his passion.
“I care a lot,” Jokic said. “I think if you don’t care for winning, you’re not supposed to be in this sport.
Nikola Jokic explained that he might express things differently, but he has love for the game.
“That’s my personality. Maybe it’s a little too different, or I accept success in (a) different way. I think I care about basketball, and I love to play basketball, and I enjoy it, I enjoy competing. Maybe accepting the success or defeat or not success differently.”
Jokic may not be the most brash or expressive athlete in the league. However, he lets his game speak for itself, which is how he won a championship and multiple MVPs.
Nikola Jokic prefers a championship now
During the All-Star break, he was asked by his former teammate DeMarcus Cousins if he’d rather win a championship or see his horses win races. Nikola Jokic playfully answered and chose his horses. But during his interview with Andrews, he clarified what he wants, and that is to give Denver another title.
“NBA championship right now,” he said.
For someone who’s viewed by many as an athlete who doesn’t care, Jokic has a lot of trophies. In addition to his NBA accomplishments, the large man is the top player for the Serbian men’s basketball team. The Nuggets star does care about the sport, others just view it differently.
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