Jokić Contemplated Retirement in 2022: Showcasing Impressive Stats While Remaining Uninterested in the Spotlight
Considered one of the greatest basketball players in history, Nikola Jokić is not solely defined by his passion for the sport.
His calm demeanor towards winning the NBA Championship and breaking numerous records is well-documented, as is his profound affection for horses and the joy they bring him at races in Vojvodina.
This unique perspective was shared by Jokić’s former teammate, DeMarcus Cousins.
“If you ever get the chance to have a conversation with him, you’ll soon realize he genuinely doesn’t care about any of it. Not even a little,” Cousins revealed on the “Straight Game” podcast, reflecting on Jokić’s outlook on basketball.
Cousins elaborated further…
“Basketball might be his second, third, or even fourth favorite thing. During games where he’s putting up astonishing stats, he probably doesn’t even want to be there. And that’s the most astonishing part of all.”
During the 2021/22 season, Cousins and Jokić played together in Denver.
“Back then, our locker room seats were right next to each other. I can’t recall who signed a new contract, but I mentioned to him: ‘That guy must have made a fortune; your contract will be insane.’ His reply was: ‘You know what, Kaz—I’m genuinely thinking about retiring before that contract comes around.’”
This was during a time when he was up for a new super contract.
“I asked him if he was out of his mind for even considering walking away from $300 million. I urged him to sign the contract first and then do whatever he wishes—gain weight, play poorly—just don’t turn down a deal like that.”
Fortunately for fans in Denver, Jokić opted not to retire, ultimately signing a new contract and leading the Nuggets to an NBA championship the following year as the league MVP. Yet, his character remained unchanged.
“He simply longs for a quiet spot in a valley with his horses,” Cousins added.
Even though Denver lost the championship in 2023, Jokić continued to deliver exceptional performances and statistics. This upcoming summer, ahead of the new NBA season, he will lead Serbia at EuroBasket.
News