June 26, 2014 was a monumental day for fans of both the NBA and Taco Bell.
Not only was Nikola Jokic — a now two-time MVP, NBA champion and NBA Finals MVP — drafted by the Denver Nuggets, but the Quesarito appeared on the menu at Taco Bells everywhere. And in one of the most magical moments in fast food/basketball history, the two icons overlapped with the league announcing Jokic’s selection during a commercial for the quesadilla-burrito hybrid and linked them forever.
On Thursday night, ESPN made a notably concerted effort to ensure every draft pick was highlighted, even if they were announced while the broadcast was at break. But there were still a number of second-rounders who saw their name called during a commercial.
Nikola Jokic was drafted during a Taco Bell commercial in 2014, so we asked the 2023 draft class what would be their draft commercial of choice #nba #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/dPH2hA9zgJ
— Mackenzie Salmon (@mackenziesalmon) June 22, 2023
Perhaps the next Jokic — or Quesarito — is among them. There’s certainly the potential for a sponsorship deal if any of these players become All-Stars. So to memorialize the biggest night of their lives, we humbly present the 2023 Nikola Jokic All-Taco Bell Team.
Congratulations to these nine players drafted while ESPN cut to commercial.