Nikola Jokic’s ‘petty’ move against $13 billion fast food brand over draft night has fans in splits

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic had a hilarious reaction to Taco Bell revisiting his infamous draft night moment.

Nikola Jokic’s ‘petty’ move against $13 billion fast food brand over draft night has fans in splits

Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic will definitely go down as one of the greatest players to ever step on a basketball court. Yet, the NBA and Denver Nuggets could have had no idea to predict that he would end up this way when he was drafted nearly a decade ago. With the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets unknowingly secured a future Hall of Famer.

Jokic would go late in the draft, with the mostly unknown Serbian big man falling down to the second round of the draft. His selection was so unknown at the time, that the broadcast for the NBA draft was focused on an advertisement for ‘Quesaritos’ by Taco Bell, instead of showing the announcement of Nikola Jokic being drafted.

In a recent interview with the Nuggets social media team, Jokic revealed his thoughts on the incident.

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I think I never had a Taco Bell just because of that.

Nikola Jokic said with a smirk

Despite becoming a three-time MVP and an NBA champion, Jokic hasn’t forgotten about that draft-night in the slightest. Nearly a decade later, it seems the Nuggets star is still holding onto a bit of a grudge, not just against the media or the scouts who underestimated him, but against Taco Bell, who stole his spotlight with their advertisement.

It also speaks to how the Serbian big man has never forgotten his humble beginnings. Being picked 41st meant he wasn’t expected to become the face of a franchise, let alone a generational talent. The Taco Bell commercial that aired instead of his draft moment has since become a meme among NBA fans. But if Nikola Jokic is to be believed, Taco Bell won’t be getting his business anytime soon.

Nikola Jokic’s honest admission leaves fans laughing

Jokic’s refusal to eat at Taco Bell isn’t the first time he’s joked about the infamous draft-night incident. He made an offhand remark directed towards them in 2022 as well, though this would be the first time he directly addressed the elephant in the room. Jokic’s remark instantly sent fans into hysterics immediately. Fans were especially pleased to see him call out the NBA and it’s broadcast.

It’s safe to say that Taco Bell missed an incredible marketing opportunity. Imagine an endorsement deal where Jokic finally takes a bite of a Quesarito as part of a commercial, perhaps even recreating the infamous draft night ad. Advertising 101 right there. Instead, the Nuggets star seems content with keeping his streak of avoiding grabbing some Taco Bell Alive.