By now, Nikola Jokic assuredly understands his reputation. As the leader of the Denver Nuggets with two MVPs under his belt, he’s one of the NBA’s undisputed biggest stars. And after the 2023 NBA Finals concludes vs. the Miami Heat, he also might be the face of the next NBA champion.
But hearing someone else praise him in public, no matter how familiar they are, could be a different story. Take Nuggets coach Mike Malone, for example.
On Wednesday, Malone sat at the podium, praising Jokic’s class and professionalism while comparing him to Tim Duncan, one of the greatest big men of all time. Whether Malone knew it or not, Jokic happened to be sitting on the side during these compliments.
And, based on his animated reactions (courtesy of videos from CBS News Colorado’s Romi Bean and DNVR Sports’ Harrison Wind), the Serbian center clearly loved every minute of it:
Michael Malone: Nikola Jokic does it with class.
The two-time MVP agrees. pic.twitter.com/OKQzX6Wo3M
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) May 31, 2023
Michael Malone singing Nikola Jokic’s praises. Jokic happens to be sitting to the side waiting for his turn at the presser. Listen and then wait to see Joker’s reaction 😂🙌 pic.twitter.com/JBKSMCUYDP
— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) May 31, 2023
Look at the smile and nod that come across Jokic’s face. How about that clapping as he hears the Duncan comparison? What a hilariously wholesome reaction that could probably perfectly encapsulate the kind of player Jokic is.