Nikola Jokic Opens Up About Fame, Horses, and His Relentless Work Ethic
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic opened up in a recent podcast interview about his longing for anonymity, his relentless work ethic, and his passion for horses.
Nikola Jokic Longs for Anonymity and Rejects Role Model Status
Denver Nuggets star and Serbian national team captain Nikola Jokic recently opened up in a candid interview on the "Jao Mile" podcast, discussing his complex relationship with fame, family, and basketball. Despite being one of the most famous athletes in the world, Jokic admitted he often wishes he could trade the spotlight for privacy.
"I miss anonymity very much," Jokic confessed. "It bothers me more and more, and I am getting ruder to people because it is exhausting. I don't take photos, but this is my time and if people cannot understand that... people say I'm rude, but enough is enough. We've taken enough photos. It's like going to the zoo."
Skeptical of Being a Role Model and Dedicated to the Game
When asked about being a role model, the Serbian center offered a refreshing perspective, arguing that public figures have far less influence on youth than immediate social circles. "Young people are influenced by their friends, family, and environment. I don't think I have that much influence on young kids," he noted, adding a direct message to youngsters: "Don't listen to me and don't look at me. Deep down, you always know what is right and wrong."
"Out of 300 days, I am in the gym on 295 of them. I love to play all the time. I don't even like when we have two days between games, because then I don't know what to do."
Despite his relaxed image and love for horses in his hometown of Sombor, Jokic's work ethic is relentless. He revealed that out of 300 days, he spends 295 in the gym. He also named Ivica Zubac, Jusuf Nurkic, and Rudy Gobert as some of the toughest defenders in the league.
Passion for Horses and Family Support
Outside of basketball, horses remain Jokic's ultimate sanctuary. His very first paycheck went toward purchasing a horse, and today he makes sure to visit his stables daily. He also reflected on the immense sacrifices his parents made for his career, noting that they often struggled financially to buy him basketball gear. Today, as a father himself, he appreciates those sacrifices deeply, while still relying on his father and brothers for honest, unvarnished critique after every game.
