Nikola Jokic Admits Jealousy as His Former Team Makes ABA League History

One thing that is a rarity on the NBA court is to witness Nikola Jokić’s emotions. The Denver Nuggets center has already become a meme content regarding this affair. Especially after the videos of the reigning MVP celebrating his horse racing wins and partying surfaced online. However, the time has finally arrived. The hoop nation witnessed the big man turn into a child and express his jealousy on the court on his recent trip to the Middle East.

As part of the Nuggets’ preseason duty, Joker is currently in Abu Dhabi to take on the Boston Celtics in two exhibition games. While the Nuggets have already lost the first outing in a 103-107 close encounter, they face the Celts again on Sunday. In this situation, Jokic took a trip to Dubai to catch a breath of nostalgia, as he sat courtside to witness his former team, KK Mega Basket, take on Dubai in the Coco-Cola Arena.

It wasn’t just an ordinary regular season game in the ABA, as the Serbian side became the first team to defeat Dubai this season, with a close 83-80. Thanks to Kosta Kondić for his clutch play. Following the game, Nikola Jokić visited the team’s locker room to share some words, and this is where he showed a rare emotion. Speaking to players in the locker room, “It was a joy to watch you. I wish I still had that joy and enthusiasm that you showed today,” playfully expressing his jealousy at the camaraderie.

On the other end, KK Mega Basket side, Nikola Jokić who began the season with a hot 3-0 record, burst into laughter, listening to Joker’s words. Nevertheless, the Serbian side has stamped its authority with a dominant win against a powerhouse side. Moreover, Jokic didn’t stop at that. He also let his guard down to show his inner child.

Nikola Jokić shrinks back to childhood

There are various instances of Nikola Jokić expressing his ‘excitement’ in the NBA world. Most recently, after winning his third MVP honor, the Nuggets shared the video of the big man, raising in hands up in the air with a grin on his face, saying, “excited”. No doubt, it was indeed a lackluster reaction.

However, in his recent visit to the Dubai game, the star center showcased his inner child with a rush of excitement. Sitting in the courtside seats for the KK Mega Basket and Dubai match-up, the Serbian side’s mascot, Pink Panther, approached the big man in style. The mascot handed out a special package to him and waited for his reaction. The package had a mini Pink Panther soft toy in it.

The big man held it in his hand with a big smile on his face as he played with it. The only question is, will he bring back this energy to the NBA world? In a few hours’ time, Jokic will face the Boston Celtics in their second exhibition game. Will the NBA fans witness the Nuggets center’s inner child? Let us know in the comments below.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.