Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP and one of the most dominant players in the world, is known for his humble, down-to-earth lifestyle, a stark contrast to the typical superstar persona.
In a recent interview with MONDO, Jokic’s father, Branislav Jokic, shed light on the Serbian star’s introverted nature and his reluctance to let new people into his inner circle.
“Nikola loves the simple things. We’re going to build family houses for our three sons, each one of them has a car, we’re going to fix up the hypodrome so that he can satisfy his love for horses.”
“What more does he need? It’s not like we didn’t have a cottage, horses, and similar things before, what more does he need now? Does he need to go to clubs in Belgrade and be a badass?”.
“That stuff doesn’t interest him, he has music and his favorite tavern where he goes out on Fridays and Saturdays with his childhood friends. He doesn’t hang out with new friends, he has a hard time letting people in his circle, they need to be either from the world of basketball or horse racing, otherwise, it’s extremely difficult”.
Jokic’s passion for basketball and horse racing is well-documented, and these are the two realms where he feels most comfortable. According to his father, Nikola is content with the simple pleasures in life and doesn’t need the trappings of fame or the company of new acquaintances.
Instead, he finds solace in his hometown of Sombor, Serbia, where he plans to build a family home near the hypodrome, a place where he can indulge in his love for horses. Branislav further elaborated on his son’s preferences, highlighting how Jokic has always gravitated toward a quieter, more private life.
For Jokic, the answer is clear. He prefers the familiar company of his childhood friends and the simple life in Sombor over the glitz and glamour of the NBA lifestyle.
This viewpoint draws attention to the distinctive qualities of Nikola Jokic, a world-renowned basketball player who hasn’t forgotten his modest upbringing. Jokic has maintained his moral principles in the face of enormous success and fortune, putting his passions, family, and enduring friendships ahead of the frivolities that frequently come with celebrity.
Because of his genuineness, Jokic is not only an incredible athlete but also a very grounded person whose moral integrity matches his ability level on the court.