Father Branislav’s Tough Call Saved Nikola Jokic’s NBA Career From One Intense Obsession
Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP with an undeniable shot at a fourth, is as fascinating off the court as he is unstoppable on it. The Denver Nuggets’ powerhouse leads the league in rebounds and assists, embodying an effortless dominance. But behind his seemingly casual genius lies a story of rebellion, love, and a surprising early indifference to basketball. Let’s dive into the tale of how his father, Branislav Jokic, played a pivotal role in steering Nikola from his obsession with horses to the heights of NBA greatness.
A Rocky Start to Basketball Stardom
Despite his accolades today, Jokic’s relationship with basketball in his formative years was anything but conventional. According to Nuggets insider Mike Singer, Jokic outright despised certain aspects of the game. He loathed practice, conditioning drills, and running—and he made no secret of it. “He faked injuries to escape practice,” Singer revealed. “He hated running so much that his teammates knew it, but they couldn’t ignore his talent.”
In one unforgettable anecdote, Jokic trained his horses while his teammates endured grueling laps around a horse track. Instead of joining them, he mimicked jogging from the comfort of his chariot, quipping, “This is the best you’re going to get from me.” The contrast between his laid-back attitude and his extraordinary skills left his coaches and teammates equal parts amused and frustrated.
Horses: The Joker’s First Love
For Jokic, basketball wasn’t the dream—horses were. He described his connection to them as “love at first sight.” Maintaining and training horses was his passion, and his family had to get creative to keep him focused on basketball.
Mike Singer’s insights into Jokic’s upbringing reveal how his father, Branislav, turned basketball into a reward system. “They told him, ‘You can only work with the horses if you go back to the gym.’” This strategy worked, keeping the young Jokic tethered to the court during critical developmental years.
Branislav’s persistence bore fruit, molding a reluctant, horse-obsessed teenager into one of the most skilled big men in NBA history. While Jokic still finds solace in his stable, his family’s determination ensured that the world didn’t miss out on his basketball brilliance.
From Horse Tracks to NBA Glory
Fast-forward to today, and Jokic is rewriting NBA history. With career averages of 20.9 points per game, three MVP titles, a Finals MVP, and an NBA championship, he has silenced every critic. His once-reluctant commitment has blossomed into a legacy that bridges old-school fundamentals and modern basketball finesse.
The next time Jokic dazzles on the court, take a moment to appreciate the unlikely journey that brought him here—a journey guided by a father’s tough love and a family’s belief in his potential.
