Coming in on media day, many things seemed new about Nikola Jokić. The reigning MVP came in sporting a ‘goatee,’ something he has kept going due to an out-pour of love from fans. Then, there was the shoe on his feet. The tongue read ‘Team Joker,’ and then came the debut. In the season opener, the NBA saw his first signature shoe with 361 Degrees. There is finally a concrete date on when fans can get a hand on some new kicks.

The Joker hardly does much promotion or endorsements. But this teaser was too perfect to pass on. A deck of cards in hand, every hand the three-time MVP picked had some symbolism. A saddle for his love for horse racing, a Joker for his infamous nickname, and a crown for his dominance. Where’s the ace? It’s the shoe.

The first sneaker of his signature line, the ‘Joker 1,’ is set to be available in world markets on December 2, 2024. “The ACE is ready !!!” the $82.7 million company wrote in its short promo featuring Nikola Jokić. The creation itself has been nearly a year in the making. And from the moment his fans saw it, the yearning to grab a pair has been ever-present.

Now, patience isn’t to be held for long. Fans are already beginning to voice their excitement for the product. “Need them now!” a fan wrote. The colorway, a simple black-and-white, hits the notes of Jokic’s simple character. He also debuted the ‘Champagne’ colorway of the shoe in a win against the Utah Jazz.

It’s safe to say everyone is waiting for the sneakers. But the Nuggets, on the other hand, are desperately awaiting their foundational star’s return.

Still no signs of Nikola Jokic in Denver

Nikola Joki began the season on a terrorizing run. Audacious stats became a normality. Rather, it was necessary for a Denver team struggling to find footing. Averaging 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game, the Joker was playing his notorious tricks. And then he suddenly took a departure away from the team.

At first, it was termed “personal reasons” without clarification. The team respected his wishes to keep matters private, but a reason has since unfolded. Jokic is reportedly having his second child with his high school sweetheart and wife, Natalija Jokić, which may be why he is absent. Michael Malone did provide a brief update about his return.

“There is no new news about Nikola. We are in constant communication with him, we hear from each other and monitor whether his wife and he are okay,” said the head coach before the team’s first win without Jokic against the Grizzlies.

His return remains uncertain tonight when the Nuggets take on the Dallas Mavericks in their NBA Cup matchup. They are currently 1-1- in the competition, with a game against the well-set Golden State Warrior still pending. Hence, the stakes for the Jokic-less Nuggets against Dallas are as high as possible.

Without Nikola Jokić, the engine of their offense, the Nuggets have faltered, averaging just 102 points per game, the third-worst mark in the league. However, Malone and Co. will hope they can carry their tempo from last game’s win and stay competitive against the Luka Doncic-led Mavericks. Can they secure a second NBA Cup win without their ace? Let us know your views in the comments below.