Nikola Jokic reluctantly resumed speaking to the media ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, but he quickly delivered bad news.
The three-time MVP showed up to the Denver Nuggets’ media day sporting a well-developed goatee. When asked if he intended to hold it to intimidate his opponent, Jokic quickly dismissed the idea. He said, “It will probably go away soon.”
Jokic claimed he was flattered by the compliments he received for his new facial hair.
“I want you to praise me more.”
Nikola Jokic wants more love for his new goatee 🤣#NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/jAN3zdVw8K
— NBA (@NBA) September 26, 2024
Unfortunately, it looks like we won’t be calling him “Evil Jokic” for much longer.
The 29-year-old is coming off a season in which he won his third MVP award and was named to the All-NBA First Team for the fourth time. Jokic averaged 28.7 points, 13.4 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game during the season. The Nuggets were eliminated in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves, so they would not be able to win the championship again in 2024. Despite their early exit, they are expected to compete for another title this season.
Jokic spent the summer with the Serbian national team, helping his teammates win a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics. In the semifinals, Serbia pushed Team USA to the limit, unable to maintain a 17-point lead and losing 95-91. Jokic averaged 18.8 points, 10.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game, leading the tournament. He also tied for the top in the tournament in stolen bases (2.0 per game). Unsurprisingly, he was named to FIBA’s Olympic All-Star 5 along with Stephen Curry, Dennis Schroder, LeBron James, and Victor Wembaneyama.
Even if he ditches the goatee, he’s poised for another dominant season.
