Three-time MVP and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic pushed back against criticism questioning his commitment to basketball, saying his calm demeanor should not be mistaken for a lack of passion.
For years, the whispers have followed Nikola Jokic.
He’s too calm. Too nonchalant. Too indifferent.
But the three-time MVP and Denver Nuggets superstar is making one thing clear: he cares — deeply.
The three-time MVP and Denver Nuggets star addressed that perception in a recent interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, making clear that his calm demeanor should not be mistaken for indifference.
“I care a lot. I think if you don’t care for winning, you’re not supposed to be in this sport,” Jokic said.
Unlike many of his peers, Jokic does not fit the traditional mold of an NBA superstar.
He does not engage in trash talk, rarely seeks attention off the court and maintains a steady, stoic presence whether after a loss or a dominant performance.
That laid-back personality has often fueled the narrative that he is detached — something Jokic attributed to just his character.
“It’s just my personality, maybe a little bit different in how I accept victory and success. But I think I care about basketball, and I love to play basketball,” the 31-year-old big man bared.
Drafted 41st overall in 2014, the Serbian star has emerged as one of the league’s premier players and led Denver to its first NBA championship in 2023.
Despite missing 16 games earlier this season due to a knee injury, he has continued to produce at a high level.
Through 39 appearances, Jokic is averaging 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 10.7 assists while shooting 59% from the field and 42% from deep.
The Nuggets are 35-20 and sit third in the West, trailing only to the defending champion OKC Thunder (42-14) and the second-placed San Antonio Spurs (38-16).
Denver resumes play after the All-Star break with a three-game road trip beginning against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday (PH time).
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.