Nikola Jokic, the towering Serbian superstar, led the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA championship in 2023. Right after the historic win, Jokic, the MVP who barely touched a basketball all summer, was eager to return home. “I need to go home,” he said. However, he stayed for a few days, enjoying the championship parade and an unforgettable night in Vegas. His teammate Bruce Brown, nursing a hangover the next morning, humorously blamed Jokic for the rough night.
Nikola Jokic: The MVP Who Barely Touched a Basketball All Summer
Back in Sombor, Serbia, Jokic was welcomed with open arms and a massive “Welcome Home, MVP” billboard. Known for his love of horse racing, he spent the summer celebrating in style. He danced on chairs, often looking even taller than his 6’11” frame. His hometown turned into a party ground with Jokic as the life of the party.
During his stay, he rode his bike around town and even took teammate Aaron Gordon to the racetrack. A rafting trip in Bosnia saw him buying beer at a convenience store before thrilling the crowd with front-flips into the river. This caught the attention of San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who jokingly questioned Jokic’s sanity in a call to Denver’s coach Michael Malone.
Throughout the summer, Jokic often appeared shirtless, whether singing or simply enjoying the moment. These carefree images contrasted sharply with the rigorous workout videos of other NBA stars. Jokic admitted he barely touched a basketball, focusing instead on weightlifting and conditioning.
Despite his unconventional summer, Jokic’s performance didn’t falter. He secured his third MVP award in four seasons. This year, though, is different. Jokic joins a star-studded lineup for the Olympics in France, facing off against powerhouses like the United States in a much-anticipated clash.
Jokic’s journey with Serbia has had its ups and downs. He shone at the 2016 Rio Olympics but missed key tournaments in recent years. Serbia, despite its rich basketball history, struggled without him. Now, with teammate Bogdan Bogdanovic back, the team aims for Olympic glory.
For Jokic, leading Serbia to a gold medal would solidify his status as the world’s best basketball player. And if he does, don’t be surprised if he spends another summer shirtless, basking in well-deserved glory.
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