Nikola Jokic Draws Social Media’s Ire After Revealing He Does Not Like Fans Asking for Photos – “Should Then Leave the NBA”

Nikola Jokic explained that he no longer wants to take photographs whenever he is approached in public.

Nikola Jokic Draws Social Media’s Ire After Revealing He Does Not Like Fans Asking for Photos – “Should Then Leave the NBA”

Nikola Jokic (Image credits - Heavy Sports)

Nikola Jokic has been one of, if not the best, players in the world over the last five years. Drafted by the Denver Nuggets as the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA draft, Jokic’s rise to the pinnacle of the league is well documented. He is often considered the greatest draft steal in NBA history.

Over the last five years, his achievements and accolades have been second to none. He has won three MVPs and has averaged a triple-double in his last two seasons. He also led the Nuggets to their first-ever championship in 2023 and was named the Finals MVP after his historic performances during their title run.

With so much success in the last few years, Jokic’s popularity and fame have grown exponentially. However, he is a quiet figure off the court and prefers to stay away from the attention and public eye.

During an appearance on the “Jao Mile” podcast, he opened up about his rise to fame and how the constant attention has become tiring.

I’m getting more and more bothered by popularity. This is going to sound corny, but, I’m getting ruder to people who approach me. Honestly, it’s tiring. Some people around me know, I don’t take pictures because it’s my time. I’ll sound rude again, but what can I do? If people can’t understand me, I understand everything, but it’s been 11-12 years and enough is enough.

Nikola Jokic on Jao Mile podcast

Nikola Jokic’s dominance over the last few years has made him one of the most recognizable players in the NBA. While he can be a fiery figure on the court, he keeps his private life away from the spotlight and is not even on social media.

The Nuggets center is known for speaking his mind and did not hide his frustration when discussing the number of people who approach him for photographs. He revealed that he will become “ruder” to the fans whenever he is approached in his personal time in the future as the fame has started to take a toll on him.

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Fans react to Nikola Jokic sounding increasingly uncomfortable with the fame

While some athletes love the attention they receive from the public, Nikola Jokic is clearly not one of them. Unfortunately, it is the bag he has to carry for the rest of his life for being one of the best players in the game.

His comments about drawing a line between fans and his personal time were quick to viral as NBA fans reacted to it across social media.

Nikola Jokic’s comments about getting uncomfortable with fame generated mixed reactions from the fans. While some fans were rubbed the wrong way, some understood where he was coming from and acknowledged that he needs to be on his own in his personal time.

Nikola Jokic bluntly admits he is not a role model for fans

Nikola Jokic is arguably the most talented and skilled center the NBA has ever seen. Not only is he a dominant big man in the paint, but he can also dish out some mesmerizing passes and orchestrate the offense. Many view him as “must-see TV”.

Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic (Image credits – The New York Times)

Many people look up to professional athletes. They are regarded for their hard work, discipline, and fame. Many children idolize athletes in different ways.

However, the Serbian star pushed back against the idea that he should be viewed as a role model for younger people.

Some people might not like it, but I don’t think they should be looking up to me. That role belongs to friends and family. I don’t think I have that much influence on young people; people tell me, ‘They look up to you.’ Well, they shouldn’t, I didn’t look up to others either. I disagree with people on this, even if my opinion might not be popular.

Nikola Jokic on Jao Mile podcast

Nikola Jokic believes that family and friends can influence one’s life more than a popular figure like himself. While he may be one of the biggest names in the NBA, he is keen to protect the little privacy that comes with life away from basketball.

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