The meteoric rise of Nikola Jokic might not be good news for the NBA, believes renowned columnist Jason Whitlock.
Speaking on his show, Fearless, Whitlock believed that Jokic’s laidback and carefree attitude, especially after winning an NBA championship might decline the value of what is considered the biggest win in the league.
“I’m not knocking Nikola Jokic; he strikes me as humble, well-intentioned, and rational. He also strikes me as someone well aware that the NBA isn’t all that important; that’s not good for American basketball. Passion permits fanaticism, and fanaticism drives interest in the game. Despite the best efforts of ESPN and FOX Sports 1 debate shows, the NBA is a lot less interesting than it used to be. Globalism is partially to blame…,” Whitlock said.
He further added that Jokic’s title and Finals MVP “hits differently.” While he added for good measure that his intention was never to look down on the Serbian star, it was something about his downplaying of the achievement that Whitlock seemed to have an issue with.
Jokic’s humility is well-documented. He was one of the players who said he didn’t want a victory parade after the Nuggets’ maiden championship win. In fact, he wanted to go back home soon after. While that may indeed dip the league’s stocks, it also shows how Jokic had more in life to focus on than just basketball.
Nikola Jokic Has Been Vocal About Life Beyond Basketball
Nikola Jokic has been quite vocal about how basketball was a part of his life, but it wasn’t his everything.
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, “I really don’t know,” Jokic said. “I think I can be much better. But you still need to sacrifice yourself. Basketball is not the main thing in my life. It’s something that I’m good at.”
Jokic’s words definitely come as a timely reminder of how it’s important to focus on life and the little joys that come with it. His sport is high-octane, and after winning a title. the pressure is paramount on Jokic to win more, but he had a fitting response to how he had a life outside of the sport — something the younger generation can take a cue from.
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