As great as he already is, Nikola Jokic has bigger goals for his NBA career. The Denver Nuggets superstar has taken his game to the next level this season, playing at an MVP level, leading his squad to the 3rd spot in the Western Conference standings.
Even though he’s struggled in the first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers, Jokic is still one of the best players in the league. But, that is not enough for him. In an interview prior to the 2020/21 NBA season, the Serbian big man discussed his plans for the rest of his NBA tenure.
The Joker claimed that he wants to be a modern version of Tim Duncan, another big man who spent his entire career with one franchise, winning everything he could in the process.
“When I came to Denver I said that I would love to be Denver’s Tim Duncan, because he played his whole career in San Antonio. God willing, I would love to play my whole career in Denver.”
From tonight's episode on RTS, Nikola JokiΔ:"When i came to Denver i said that i would love to be Denver's Tim Duncan, because he played his whole carreer in San Antonio. God willing, I would love to play my whole carreer in Denver." pic.twitter.com/JLC8NyusRC
— THE JOKER(S) ππ·πΈπ (@SerbsInSports) May 31, 2021
The presumptive 2021 NBA MVP has repeatedly shown his love to the city of Denver and the Nuggets organization. He has taken this team to the Western Conference Finals, but that’s not the end for him.
Even Duncan has praised the 26-year-old’s talents, saying he’s really fun to watch.
Jokic has tried to carry this team to the promised land with little to zero help following Jamal Murray’s season-ending injury. Michael Porter Jr. was perceived as the new second-best player on the lineup, but the young gun hasn’t kept up to his regular-season level.
Even if they don’t win this year, the Nuggets should feel safe knowing that their superstar doesn’t intend to leave them until his career is over. At this moment, they are trying to overcome the Damian Lillard-led Portland Trail Blazers to keep their title hopes alive. Therefore, Jokic needs to step up to lead this team to the Western Conference Semifinals.
