The All-Star Game received mixed reviews in 2023 from fans, players, and coaches alike. While some enjoyed the various changes to the format of the entire weekend, others thought the whole thing was a bit of a letdown.
One of the more interesting changes was to the way the All-Star teams were decided. The two captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, picked players one by one, starting with the reserves and then the starters to make their teams. And while it led to some funny moments, like Giannis trying to draft Ja Morant way too early, it also led to some inadvertently awkward ones as well.
Nikola Jokic is the reigning MVP, having won two in a row, and he seems to be on track for a third consecutive one as well. One would think Jokic would be one of the biggest stars around at the moment, and while he is, he certainly doesn’t act like it.
Jokic’s disinterest in All-Star Weekend was apparent; he spoke after about how he wouldn’t draft himself either, considering how little he cares for the whole situation. And while that may be true, he seemingly cared enough to not be picked last either, essentially forcing LeBron James’ hand into drafting him.
Nikola Jokic walked over to LeBron James before he even said anything 🤣pic.twitter.com/PW449Pfvsc
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 20, 2023
There were suggestions afterward that he did that because he thought he was the last player left on the board, but Lauri Markkanen was left to be drafted as well. And fans think that Jokic did that simply because he did not want to be chosen last.
NBA Fans Reacted To Nikola Jokic Hilariously Picking Himself For Team LeBron
Being excited about the All-Star Game isn’t a requirement, but the stars’ lack of enthusiasm does make the event lose a little of its shine. And while Jokic wasn’t too involved, fans think this move showed he cared enough to not be picked last.
“Bron was def gonna pick Lauri, Jokic got in quick.”
“Jokic said I’m not getting disrespected.”
“He was like, ‘It’s either me or Lauri, stop playing with me.'”
“Jokic knew he was gettin disrespected.”
“Forcing the pick to save himself from embarrassment.”
“He ain’t wanna get embarrassed.”
“So Jokic cared this much, glad to know where the line was.”
“Man, Joker not slick, we know you didn’t wanna go last.”
“You can’t convince me Bron was gonna pick him.”
“Joker just wanted it all to end lmao.”
Whatever the reason he did it was, Nikola Jokic stopped himself from being the last pick in the All-Star draft. As Kevin Durant said, it’s not likely to matter to the ballers, which Jokic is, but this moment shows why this type of format may not be the best idea in the long run. The All-Star Game, in general, could use some improvements.
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