Who could have predicted that a once-overweight child, with an unwavering fondness for Coca-Cola, growing up in northern Serbia, would one day ascend to the pinnacle of the NBA? Last night Nikola Jokic defied all expectations in leading the Denver Nuggets to the franchise’s first-ever NBA basketball championship, delivering an exceptional performance with 28 points and 16 rebounds.
Known as the ‘Joker’, Nikola Jokic rise defied all expectations, not only making it to the NBA but also becoming a two-time NBA regular season MVP, and as of last night was also honored as the best player in the 2023 Finals series against the Miami Heat.
Nikola Jokic, the kid who couldn’t do a single pushup in high school.
A PASSION FOR THE GAME
Jokic’s love for basketball originated in modest surroundings. As the youngest of three brothers, he refined his skills by playing basketball on a small hoop attached to a door in their humble family home, shared with their parents and grandmother. In 2012, at the age of 17, Jokic began his professional basketball journey by signing with KK Mega Basket, a Serbian team in the Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA) and the Serbian League.
AN UNUSUAL NBA DRAFT:
During the 2014 NBA draft, Nikola Jokic fell to the second round and was eventually selected as the 41st overall pick. His draft position didn’t generate much interest, not even from television broadcasters, as ESPN opted to air a Taco Bell commercial instead of announcing Denver’s selection of the talented Serbian player from KK Mega Basket.
The draft night took an even stranger turn when Nikola remained unaware to the fact that his life was about to change dramatically. Upon learning that Nikola had been drafted by the Denver Nuggets, his brother promptly called him to share the thrilling news. However, Nikola, who was still groggy and unaware due to being asleep at the time, responded in an unexpected manner as he informed his brother that he was asleep and hanged up the phone.
THE CONNECTION TO COLA:
During his pre-NBA days in Serbia, Jokic had a strong desire for Coca-Cola. He used to consume a gallon of it daily, treating it like water. Similar to many rookies, Jokic had to adjust his diet and conditioning program upon entering the NBA. The last time he ever drank a Coke was on his initial flight to Denver to start his NBA career.
BREAKING STEREOTYPES AND REVOLUTIONIZING THE GAME
Jokic’s impact on the game transcends the traditional role of a center. Widely acclaimed as the greatest passing big man in NBA history, his extraordinary court vision sets him apart from his peers. Jokic’s ability to play the point center position revolutionized the game, emphasizing playmaking and court awareness over traditional center skills. By developing his shooting abilities, Jokic shattered the mold of a conventional center, excelling from beyond the arc and stretching defenses to create opportunities for his teammates.
ANOTHER BALKAN RISING STAR: LUKA DONCIC:
Jokic’s success this season in winning the championship reminded us of another superstar from the Balkan region, Luka Doncic. The Slovenian basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks is another standout talent and one of today’s premier superstars. This season, Luka showcased his versatility with impressive averages of 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists across 66 games.
NBA fans in the UAE and the region will have the chance to watch Doncic play as the NBA recently revealed that the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves are set to face each other in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023, held in the UAE’s capital. The Etihad Arena on Yas Island will host two electrifying matches between these two teams on October 5 and October 7, with Luka Doncic poised to showcase his extraordinary skills.
WORLDWIDE LOVE FOR THE GAME:
The rise of Nikola Jokic and the emergence of talents like Luka Doncic from the Balkan region signal an exciting era for basketball fans worldwide. As the NBA embraces international players, the sport transcends boundaries and experiences stronger competition.
Mohammad Akkawi, Sports analyst, and founder of Sport Scoop