Jokic high-rent, low-key
Serbian big man only content to be in spotlight on court with new contract
On a Saturday in early March, the Nuggets stayed overnight in Cleveland after a key win over the Cavaliers instead of immediately flying to the next stop of their road swing.
Several players left the locker room dressed to partake in the night life. But a few minutes later, Nikola Jokic zipped up a hoodie and tied a pair of gray Nikes priced at about $125.
“He’s still gonna wear sweats, even though we tell him to put a button-up shirt on and look presentable,” older brother Nemanja said with a laugh.
That’s quintessential Jokic, whose eye-popping play as one of the NBA’s premier young stars is complemented by a low-maintenance personality off the floor. And those closest to the 6-foot-10 Serbian expect Jokic to maintain that vibe, even after officially signing the richest contract in franchise history Monday.
“I’ve never seen a guy less enthused about a contract this big, and I say that in a positive sense,” president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said. “Everything is secondary to him to basketball and family. … Beyond that, he doesn’t care.
“He doesn’t like the spotlight. We have to talk him into doing a press conference. He just wants to play ball and help us win games and hang out with his girlfriend and his family.”
Earning the five-year, $147.7 million max deal — a massive raise from the $1.5 million he made last season as one of the NBA’s biggest bargains — is the latest benchmark in Jokic’s rapid surge that still leaves Denver’s front office and coaching staff somewhat
flabbergasted.
He was an unknown second-round draft pick in 2014, with Connelly making the selection because he believed Jokic’s unique skill set would eventually translate to a solid NBA career. President Josh Kroenke recalls watching grainy footage of Jokic wearing a pink jersey while playing in Eastern Europe’s Adriatic League. During Jokic’s first summer league with Denver, it was clear he needed to lose 30 pounds.
“If you would have asked me back (then), ‘Do you think Nikola Jokic will be a max player one day?’ I would have laughed at you,” coach Michael Malone said. “I think most people would have.”
But during Jokic’s first training camp with the Nuggets in 2015, then-veteran Nuggets player Mike Miller sent Kroenke a text message saying “this guy is really, really good.” Then on Dec. 15, 2016, Malone made a starting lineup shift that turned out to be a pivotal moment for the Nuggets and for Jokic, unleashing his dazzling passing and ability to finish inside and shoot from distance as the focal point of one of the most prolific offenses in the NBA. Last season, Jokic led Denver in scoring (18.5 points per game), rebounding (10.7) and assists (6.1), compiled 10 triple-doubles and garnered votes for the all-NBA team.
But as Jokic’s on-court production has exploded, his life outside of basketball has remained low-key.
He enjoys Denver’s mountains, weather and altitude air. He is constantly flanked by Nemanja and fellow older brother Strahinja, along with longtime girlfriend Natalija. Jokic packs his PlayStation on road trips. The only time he took part in the nightlife scene all of last season, according to Nemanja, was on New Year’s Eve — and only after the brothers put on some serious peer pressure.
“Everybody who knows me, they know that I’m not a flashy guy,” Jokic said. “I’m not gonna go out and party. I keep it simple and enjoy life. That’s who I am.”
Jokic has spent most of his offseason back home in Serbia, where he has primarily worked on his body and his defense. After each fourhour morning training session, he attends to his racehorses, named Dream Catcher and Bella Marguerite. He is often stopped on the street, humbled by the people who say they wake up in the middle of the night to watch Nuggets games.
Now, Jokic is the centerpiece of a Denver team with a hefty payroll and playoff expectations in a stacked Western Conference. But Jokic says he feels “no pressure,” because signing the extension demonstrates that the Nuggets “want me to stay here.” Connelly caught himself chuckling while reminiscing after the news conference, calling Jokic’s sharp ascension “something I’ve never seen” and may never again.
That’s why Jokic has been financially rewarded to the max.
Just don’t expect him to change his wardrobe.
“He just feels comfortable,” Nemanja said. “I don’t want anybody to change that about him, and I don’t think anything (will).”