Nikola Jokic has firmly established himself as a star in the NBA, with many considering him the league’s premier player. He led the Denver Nuggets to a championship, silencing critics who doubted his physique by showcasing remarkable consistency and excelling across all aspects of the game. Yet, an intriguing anecdote from a former franchise player reveals a surprising glimpse into Jokic‘s true priorities in life.
“When I was in Denver, our lockers were next to each other in the locker room. I don’t remember who had just signed an extension at the time, but I told him: ‘Your new contract is going to be insane!’ He told me: ‘Cuz, I might retire before that contract.’ I said: ‘You’re going to leave $300 million on the table? Are you crazy?… Then he told me: ‘Cuz, I just want to go back to my hometown and chill with my horses’,” DeMarcus Cousins said, via Straight Game Podcast.
Throughout his illustrious career, Nikola Jokic has become known not only for his exceptional performance on the court but also for his candid responses off it. After clinching the NBA championship in 2023, he gave a memorable post-game interview with ESPN, where he quipped, “The job is done. We can go home now.” Fans found his reaction amusing, but Demarcus Cousins’ comments offer deeper insight and context to Jokic’s remarks.
Furthermore, Cousins revealed that Jokic does not prioritize basketball, suggesting it might be only his second or third favorite pastime. Yet the Serbian star remains devoted to the Denver Nuggets, recently achieving his best statistical season with averages of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists. These numbers showcase his competitiveness, proving that he excels through dedication and skill, even without basketball as his primary passion.
Denver Nuggets aim to motivate Nikola Jokic with key roster upgrades for the 2025–26 season
With Nikola Jokic in his 30s, the Denver Nuggets are strategically positioning themselves to leverage his prime years by building a championship-caliber team around him. Despite falling short in the 2024-25 season, the Nuggets have made significant offseason moves, acquiring Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas, and Cameron Johnson.
Not only did Nuggets reinforce their starting lineup, but also their bench with the arrivals of Bruce Brown and Curtis Jones, providing head coach David Adelman with more impactful options. Nikola Jokic thrives on competition and creating a team capable of winning multiple championships could entice him to stay. As the Serbian star enters the final stages of his contract, Denver’s strategic roster improvements are crucial.