Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, known for his inactivity on social media and his unique, traditional lifestyle is putting up incredible numbers this season as the Denver Nuggets hunt for the NBA Championship later next year.
Jokic recently opened up about his personal life in a casual conversation with Denver Nuggets teammate and young star, Michael Porter Jr. The two stars spoke about Jokic’s personal life and how the Serbian sensation met his wife Natalija Jokic, navigating their relationship as they came to the United States.
Nikola Jokic talks on first encounter with wife Natalija
Jokic spoke to Michael Porter Jr. on the first encounter he had with his now wife, Natalija Jokic. A rather private person, it was a unique sight to witness Jokic speak on his family and private life.
In the conversation with Porter Jr, Jokic recalled, “I know her since I was 14? 15? She lived five minutes from my home. We were friends for a couple years and then the summer before she came here (United States), we kinda started, Imma say dating, and we were kinda having a long-distance relationship. To be honest, I did not, it just happened to be, I never expected it.”
Jokic and Natalija got married in a very private wedding ceremony in their hometown of Sombor, Serbia on the 24th of October 2020. A family man, Jokic always ensures to tie his wedding ring along with his shoelaces, a habit he picked up from one of his former teammates in Serbia.
The high-school sweethearts welcomed their firstborn, a baby girl named Ognjena in September 2021. Ever since, it has been quite a common occurrence to see the family together, along with Jokic’s brother postgame where they unite to celebrate the Serbian superstar’s basketball achievements.
Nikola Jokic hates public recognition
In one of the best interviews the public has seen Jokic in, he spoke about his potential life after basketball and how he wants to be out of the spotlight, away from the public eye. Jokic, a family man and a very private person, does not use any form of social media. Often pictured at horse races and farms, the Denver Nuggets superstar finds his entertainment away from the bright lights of the media.
Unbeknownst to many, the star also has a unique sense of humor. Speaking of his private life, Jokic explained, “Media is around us and we get paid because of it and the popularity. Some people like being famous, but I really don’t, I really wish nobody will know me when I finish my career. I hope my kid remembers me as a dad, that’s my goal in life.”
“Another big goal is not to have a phone, just to live in the moment, and be a normal person. Go drink with your buddy, have lunch—not make a big deal of it. People make such a big deal of small things, I feel sad when people record me at restaurants, I’m just living my life.”
The 28-year-old superstar talked about how he wants to live a private life, away from the glitz and the glam that the NBA and his celebrity status provides.
“When I finish my career, I really wish nobody knows me…I really don’t like this life because, at the end of the day, we are just basketball players”, Jokic stated. “It just feels sad, whenever you go to the bar, restaurant, some game, people are just taking their phones out and trying to record you. I think that’s really, I’m going to say, rude. It’s not that I’m out showing myself; I’m just who I am.”
Jokic also spoke to Porter Jr. about the belief and the winning mentality the Nuggets carry around themselves. His competitive mindset was on full display stating, “I think like we can win every game and I think it’s winning is kind of lifestyle and you get obsessed with winning and that lifestyle. We have fun when we’re winning and that’s my motivation, I’m obsessed with winning and that lifestyle.”
The two-time MVP and NBA Champion will look forward to continuing his dominance in basketball with the Denver Nuggets with his loving wife, Natalija Jokic, and adorable daughter Ognjena as his biggest supporters.
What do think of Jokic’s conversation with Michael Porter Jr? Will Jokic’s mindset and the Denver Nuggets winning mentality carry them to another NBA championship this year? We’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions, so please let us know in the comments below.
