Nikola Jokic's father explains 3x NBA MVP's humble lifestyle and upcoming projects - "Hard for him to accept new people"
Despite being a three-time NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic has garnered a reputation as one of the league's humblest players. The Denver Nuggets superstar regularly avoids the spotlight, spending much of his free time in his native Serbia enjoying horse races. According to Jokic's father, Branislav Jokic, his son has always preferred the "simple things" in life.
On Saturday, Nikola Jokic led Serbia to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, defeating the world champion Germans 93-83. The medal marked the big man's second after securing silver at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Just one day later, Jokic returned to his hometown of Sombor, Serbia to take in a horse race, watching his horse Brenno Laumar emerge victorious. The decision marked a long-running trend for Jokic, who has been known to head home anytime he gets a break from playing basketball.
In an interview with Sportal published Wednesday, Jokic's father touched on his son's modest lifestyle, including his plans to make the most of his well-documented hobby.
"Nikola enjoys the simple things in life," Branislav said. "We're planning to build family homes and set up a hippodrome so he can satisfy his love for horses. What more could he need?"
Branislav later highlighted his son's preference for avoiding the hustle and bustle of big cities, citing his contentment with his hometown.
"It's not like we didn't have a summer house, horses, or similar things before, but what more does he need than this?" Branislav said.
"Maybe he needs to go rafting in Belgrade, but what's the point? To be a public figure? He's not interested in that. He has music here and a favorite bar where he goes on Fridays and Saturdays with his childhood friends," he continued.
He added that Jokic has always had a tight inner circle, which he rarely expands.
"He doesn't hang out with new friends," Branislav said. "It's hard for him to accept new people around him. They have to be from the world of basketball or horses, something else very difficult."
Thus, it appears basketball fans can expect Jokic to continue laying low and enjoying the company of close friends and family every chance he gets.
Also Read: NBA fans in stitches after Nikola Jokic apparently shows up drunk to Olympics medal ceremony: "I have a lot more respect for him now"
Nikola Jokic receives hero's welcome in return to Serbia
While Nikola Jokic may prefer a quiet, laidback lifestyle, that didn't prevent him from celebrating his recent bronze medal win with his Serbian fans.
Upon returning to his home country, Jokic was introduced on a stage, receiving a hero's welcome from a raucous crowd. He later showed appreciation to his supporters as they chanted "MVP."
Over six Olympic outings, Jokic averaged 18.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, leading his squad in all five categories.
The six-time NBA All-Star's standout play earned him a spot on the tournament's All-Star Five team, seemingly making his country extremely proud.
Photo: Nikola Jokic goes shirtless, dances in delight to celebrate Serbia's Olympic bronze