Over the last two preseason games, the Denver Nuggets have had a tough time. Both times, they faced the reigning champions—the Boston Celtics. And both times, the outcome has been disappointing for Jamal Murray & Co. However, there is a name that has turned heads like always. Yes, Nikola Jokic was at his best, and well, that’s no new information. Sometimes, it feels like he doesn’t know how to play a bad game. Well, good for the Nuggets, they can rely on the 6’11” giant without a moment of doubt.

This faith that the team has in Nikola Jokic is also debunking a massive myth about the hooper. Well, guess what? The media has tagged the Joker as lazy on several occasions. But it doesn’t look like such narratives have at all affected the NBA star. Instead, Jokic has gone on to take the MVP crown three times in four years. Even his former teammate Davon Reed has put a stamp of approval on the fact that Nikola Jokic isn’t cutting a slack on his hard work. Reed shared his experience with Jokic during his stint at the Denver Nuggets from 2021 to 2023 while speaking with Jefe Island. The NBA G League hooper first said: “Kola is a great person. I love Nikola I learned so much from him.” So, the Mexico City Capitanes SG is extremely appreciative of Jokic. Is it surprising? No.

As Davon Reed elaborated on his description, it became clear that a strange plot had formed around the presence of the 28-year-old. Reed continued: “To see somebody consistently be that good, that much time you know consistently. I’d say it starts with his routines and his preparation. I know a lot of people think ‘Oh Nikola doesn’t like basketball’, or ‘He’s just out there’ like it’s crazy how the media can kind of put a spin or a motive on something when it’s not true.” Well, it’s hard to analyze what might have triggered such a narrative. But to know more about the 6x NBA All-Star’s daily routine might truly burst some bubbles.

The ex-Nuggets player added: “It’s just that’s the notion or that’s motive, and because he’s got an unorthodox game or stardom or what have you that you feel like that. That’s a word just because they say that’s true.” Reed concluded by sharing what Jokic’s workout regime usually looks like: “He comes in to get his work in every day. He gets his treatment in before that every day and after working out or before he gets his lifting, he’s getting his work in his work, his treatment, and his lifting every day.” Well, for a hooper averaging 29.7 points per game since 2021, lazy is a strange adjective.

In reality, Nikola Jokic is still one of the top names for this season’s MVP. Can he clinch his fourth crown and stand on par with the one and only LeBron James? It might be hard to predict now, but who knows? After all, we’re talking about the Joker here! People often consider him the King of the NBA because of his consistency, performance, and motivation. They have played the perfect role in improving the Serbian giant’s reputation in the league and among his peers. Also, it wouldn’t be surprising if Jokic led the Serbian basketball team to winning the World Championship in the future. Because the last time he played for the National team, they won- at least that’s what Nikola Jokic claims.

Nikola Jokic makes bold Championship wins for the Serbian National team

Amidst the disappointing first two preseason games that the Denver Nuggets played, Nikola Jokic shined. In the opening game against the Celtics, he became the top scorer and secured 14 crucial points for the team. In the next game, again against the reigning champs, Jokic scored a whopping 20 points. So, it seems, the Serbian 6’11” giant has already unleashed a part of his game. Wait till the regular season unfolds! Nikola will surely show his multifaceted gameplay once again.

Meanwhile, he has made some bold claims. Over the summer break, Jokic was in Paris to clinch the Olympic Gold medal for his country. But, that wasn’t the case and despite having a lead of 17 points against Team USA, Serbia succumbed and settled for Bronze. That had been the “worst defeat” of Jokic’s career as per his claims. However, he recently said: “Last time I played for the national team, we won a championship. Maybe that means something, maybe it doesn’t. Most players say a summer tournament helps you stay in shape.” 

It might be a bit difficult to understand the authenticity of the fact. Nonetheless, it’s never too late to improve and get in shape. Moreover, Nikola Jokic’s quest for the NBA title and his fourth MVP title are on the line. Therefore, the stakes are high and the 29YO is anything but lazy, so we’ve got to watch out for more from Jokic this season.