"Anyone down for a pickup game" - When teen Nikola Jokic was struggling to find players for pickup game in Serbia
Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic is set to make his NBA Finals debut in the Denver Nuggets' first finals appearance. Throughout the postseason, Jokic has continued to amaze fans and analysts with his dominance as he surpassed Wilt Chamberlain's playoff triple-double record.
As many fans have been quick to point out, there was a time when Jokic wasn't the monster on the court he is today. When he was a kid, Nikola Jokic was out of shape and far less athletic than he is now. As a self-proclaimed lover of soda pop, Jokic's transformation has been nothing short of inspiring.
In the wake of the Nuggets' Western Conference finals win, fans dug up an old post of Jokic on Facebook from 2011, where he was looking for a pickup game. He wrote:
"Anyone down for a pickup game."
The following year, Jokic began playing for Mega Basket, and four years later, Jokic was selected as the 41st pick of the NBA draft.
Naturally, fans were quick to laugh at the fact that the two-time MVP was just another kid looking for a game of pickup basketball.
Back in 2011, Nikola Jokić struggled finding someone to play pickup basketball with in Serbia.
He's now a two-time MVP and heading to his first NBA Finals 👏 https://t.co/cdjS6tQuU1
Nikola Jokic's dominance en route to the Nuggets' first NBA Finals appearance
This postseason, the Denver Nuggets have continued their incredible story as they look to capture the franchise's first NBA championship. During that time, Nikola Jokic has broken Wilt Chamberlain's record for most triple-doubles in a single postseason.
Currently, Jokic sits one ahead of Chamberlain, with the chance to extend that lead when the Nuggets return to the court for the NBA Finals. On the heels of the Nuggets' massive closeout win over the LA Lakers, coach Michael Malone spoke to media members about Jokic's transformation:
"That first Summer League in Vegas, 300 pounds, out of shape, 'Hey, he's a nice player. No one, and if anybody tells you different, they're full of sh*t. No one could have seen that he'd be a two-time MVP passing Wilt Chamberlain, it seems like, every other night.
"That speaks to his dedication to his craft, getting in great shape and understanding for him to fullfil his potential, he had to work harder. And he's done that."
It isn't just on-court transformation or the physical transformation of Nikola Jokic that have continued to impress those around him, it's the mental transformation. Late in Game 3 against the LA Lakers, Jokic took charge of a late-game huddle where he spoke about the team making the right reads and clearing space.
After the game, Jamal Murray praised him for his leadership, pointing out that Jokic was able to delegate responsibilities in the huddle in English like a true leader. His actions earned him praise from Malone, who dubbed him 'Coach Jokic.'
As the Denver Nuggets look to capture their first championship in franchise history, Jokic's transformation has continued to amaze.
(Suggested Reading: Nikola Jokic's brothers react to team reaching NBA Finals)