A lot of curiosity swarms around the Denver Nuggets for this coming season. The arrival of Russell Westbrook has fans excited. Furthermore, Jamal Murray’s extension has become a contentious topic around the league. However, when they all arrived on media day, the attention was stolen by one man, the hub of the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic.

He began in his typical ways, fighting off the mic in front of him. The Joker was his usual self, calm yet letting his humor lighten the tension that comes with media day. However, there was also something different about him. He arrived at the Nuggets facility sporting a goatee, a look he had never experimented with before.

At first, a reporter noted his look as ‘menacing’. Jokic loved the reaction and asked for continued praise. But then he revealed a heartbreaking future of his updated look. “It’s probably going to go away pretty soon,” he said about his beard.

The look suits him well. His demeanor looks a lot more intense when accentuated by the beard. Yet he assures that even though he appears serious, he is still just as excited about basketball with Denver. And this season in particular has many reasons and challenges for Nikola Jokic to tackle.

But if you ask the fans, they aren’t happy with the decision the Joker has committed to.

NBA fans want Nikola Jokic to keep the goatee

The reigning MVP of the league attracted all the compliments when he came into the building for the Nuggets’ media day. The franchise provided his “beard and all” appearance for the fans. And some felt the league should be shivering with his latest look. “Bearded jokic? League is cooked” one fan mentioned.

Frankly, that sentiment applies regardless of the Joker’s appearance. In the past four seasons, not only has he won MVP thrice, but also brought a championship to the Mile-High City. In doing so, the imposing center’s game style is far from appealing. He makes simple, yet effective moves that are sharpened to a degree of precision where they have become unstoppable.

Even then, the goatee in particular gave purpose to the ‘Joker’ persona that the NBA fans have bestowed upon the Serbian. It adds a villainous intrigue to what is described as a season of redemption for him and the Nuggets. “Oh no! I like evil Jokic” a fan wrote about him potentially shaving it off.

As far as competing goes, Nikola Jokic is one who throws any distraction out of the way. He has never been someone who gives special attention to his fashion. He still exudes class and simplicity with his appearance. Having said that though, his decision seems to be final.

Fans though are finding it hard to fathom his call. According to one avid follower of his “Jokic’s goatee is pure MVP swagger! And you? You’ve got that effortless charm that always stands out!”. 

The sudden beard growth can be connected to his incredible offseason. Nikola Jokic rode boats, watched horse races, and even got some street ball when in his home country. During leisure, it seems he might have let his beard grow out naturally. However, now that a fresh season awaits for the Nuggets, he might be preparing to lock back into game mode.

Do you think the fans’ demands will sway Jokic’s mind? Let us know your views in the comments below.