Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets’ standout center who has firmly established his place among the NBA’s all-time greats, isn’t known for his chattiness. During games, he tends to save his words for the occasional complaint about opponent fouls, and he steers clear of social media entirely. In press conferences, he has a reputation for giving straightforward answers that require some digging to draw out additional insights.
So, when Jokic wrapped up his post-game remarks following the Nuggets’ exit at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, his humorous take on summer plans caught everyone off guard. Asked if he might join Serbia for Eurobasket, Jokic cracked a dry joke that landed perfectly: “We’ll see, the only thing for sure is that in the next few days there will be a lot of beers.” His serious demeanor only heightened the laughter from the gathered media.
While Jokic’s playful moment was a welcome twist, it belied the frustration simmering beneath the surface after a stellar season, where he averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists during the regular games, only to see those numbers dip slightly in the playoffs. The deep-rooted disappointment of not leading his team to at least the Western Conference finals was palpable.
When probed about the Nuggets’ chances of winning a championship with the current roster, Jokic didn’t mince words. “We didn’t, so obviously we can’t,” he responded bluntly. His remarks reflected a lack of optimism and underscored a clear message: “If we could, we would win. I don’t believe in ‘what ifs.’ We had opportunities. We didn’t win, so I don’t think we can.” This stark acknowledgment hints at the struggles that have plagued the Nuggets as they sought to make a deeper playoff run.
Jokic’s comments also pointed to a need for improvement within the team. “Yes, we definitely needed a deeper bench,” he noted, emphasizing his belief that it’s the teams with the strongest rotations that come out on top. It’s worth remembering that this was a sentiment echoed by former head coach Mike Malone, whose advocacy for more depth ultimately became a factor in his dismissal.
The question of whether Jokic will don the Serbian colors for the upcoming Eurobasket remains up in the air. Reflecting on his experiences with the national team, he shared, “I think the Olympic Games made me a better person. Playing for my country with different rules and different players… everything made me better. I have to think about it. I need to talk to the coaches and some of the key players in the team. We’ll see.”
As the Nuggets regroup and look ahead, Jokic’s insights serve as a call to action—one that could shape the direction of the franchise in the off-season. In the meantime, fans can take comfort in knowing that while Jokic’s words may be few, his impact on the court and the team’s future aspirations loom large.
