Haters furious: Alleged basketball-hater Nikola Jokic seen playing during free time

The summer of Jokic rolls on as it seems the oft-out-of-the-spotlight Serbian star of the NBA and the Denver Nuggets has been popping up left and right across social media outlets in the handful of weeks since the team’s season ended. People have loved pointing to Jokic’s laid-back demeanor and sometimes ambivalence towards the game as a dislike for the sport he dominates.

This narrative and discourse has become tiresome, as in reality, Jokic works on his game as hard as anyone and is clearly inspired to be the greatest basketball player possible. The on-court results speak for themselves and you don’t become a three-time league MVP without an incredible work ethic and commitment to basketball.

Still, the jokes always pop up that Jokic prefers drinking, horse racing, and spending time out of the limelight, especially with family and friends in Serbia. But this summer Jokic has been going against the grain a bit (perhaps not on purpose) and has been out and about. Part of it may just be his increased fame making it hard to stay private, even in Serbia. But part of it all is definitely Jokic leaning in.

Jokic becoming a media darling

The big man has seemed to have a much bigger personality since winning the FInals. He has done several national TV commercials and has become a huge part of the marketing campaign for the newest Minions movie, embracing his likeness to the supervillain, Gru.

Now this offseason, the Joker has made news first by attending a large horse race in Sweden, then going on a large rafting trip in Bosnia, then showing off his dance moves at a party in Serbia, then partying with Bogdan Bogdanovic as his horse won a race in Serbia. During this time, he’s also been in the news for being officially named to the initial Team Serbia roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Nikola Jokic playing pick-up basketball in Serbia

And on Tuesday, Jokic made headlines for basketball yet again, this time for playing some pickup basketball in his hometown of Sombor, Serbia. A video surfaced of Jokic mucking it up at the local outdoor court, engaging in some good-hearted 3 on 3 hoop session. Jokic looked to be having fun and going no more than half speed as he may never look more out of place in his hometown.

But it’s great to see the Joker living and loving life this offseason, and it’s cool for the fans that it involves a little pickup basketball. The big man deserves a longer rest this year and hopefully finding a renewed energy and joy for the game will be a part of that. Either way, it’s fun to be able to keep tabs on our favorite Serbian superstar during the summer.