Nikola Jokic, despite being a three-time NBA MVP, has built a reputation as one of the most humble players in the league. Unlike many stars who seek the limelight, the Denver Nuggets star prefers simplicity and spends much of his free time in Serbia, his homeland, enjoying horse racing. His father, Branislav Jokic, has explained on several occasions that Nikola has always valued “the simple things” in life, staying true to his roots and shying away from the glamorous life that often accompanies his NBA success.

Last Saturday, Nikola Jokic led Serbia to the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, defeating the current world champion German team with a score of 93-83. This achievement marked Jokic’s second Olympic medal, having previously won silver at the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016. However, just a day after this feat, Jokic returned to his hometown of Sombor to attend a horse race where his horse Brenno Laumar emerged victorious. This decision comes as no surprise since Jokic is known to seize any break in his sports career to return home and indulge in his passion for horses.

In a recent interview with Sportal, Branislav Jokic shared details about his son’s modest lifestyle and future plans. “Nikola enjoys the simple things in life,” Branislav commented. “We are planning to build family homes and establish a racetrack so he can pursue his love for horses. What else could he need?” Moreover, Branislav highlighted Nikola’s preference for avoiding the hustle and bustle of big cities, finding happiness and fulfillment in his home and close circle.

For Nikola, life is not about luxuries or being a public figure. His father recalled that while they have always had comforts like a summer house and horses, Nikola has never felt the need for more. “Maybe he could go rafting in Belgrade, but what would be the point? To be a public figure? He’s not interested in that. Here, he has his music and a favorite bar where he goes on Fridays and Saturdays with his childhood friends,” added Branislav, emphasizing that Nikola has always maintained an intimate circle and finds it difficult to accept new people into his life.

Despite his quiet lifestyle, this does not prevent Jokic from celebrating his achievements with his fans. Upon returning to Serbia after the Olympic victory, he was welcomed as a hero in his homeland, where an enthusiastic crowd cheered him as “MVP.” Grateful, Jokic joined the celebration, showing that while he prefers calm and simplicity, he is not immune to the affection and admiration of his people.

Olympic Games

During the Olympic tournament, Jokic showcased why he is one of the standout figures in international basketball. He averaged 18.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, leading his team in all these categories. His exceptional performance earned him a spot in the tournament’s All-Star team, reaffirming his country’s pride in having one of the world’s best players representing them on the court.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Serbia y las carreras de caballo, el futuro de Nikola Jokic: “Disfruta de las cosas simples de la vida”