Did Nikola Jokic lose weight? Denver Nuggets star's transformation in 2019-20 season explored
Nikola Jokic went through a massive transformation during the first half of the 2019-20 season, going on a diet and working hard in the gym to get into better shape.
Entering the season, Jokic was listed at 284 pounds. However, he lost 20 to 25 pounds during the first half of the season before the COVID-19 shutdown.
"I was a little bit overweight and now I lost a lot of weight and I’m feeling good out there,” he told ESPN, adding that he had lost around 20 to 25 pounds.
"Coach Felipe gave me a little diet, some workout plans and we go through that together."
Felipe Eichenberger, the Nuggets' strength and conditioning coach, has been with the team since 2011 and played a role in Jokic's transformation.
"I don’t want to eat bad just because I know it’s not just me,” Jokic said regarding his diet. "It’s him [Eichenberger], too. I don’t want to disappoint him."
Jokic is living out the opposite of the 'My Plans/2020' Meme. https://t.co/I0IsmQJ5lp
"He sent me a picture after working out in the gym and following a strict diet," Tim Connelly, the then-Nuggets president said. "No shirt on. He's got abs. I've never seen him have abs before."
During the regular season, Jokic averaged 19.9 points per game. However, his scoring average drastically increased in the playoffs, as he bumped it all the way to 24.4 points.
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Unsurprisingly, Jokic's performances helped the Nuggets have a deep playoff run. They advanced to the Western Conference finals but were eliminated by the LA Lakers in five games.
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