When you hear the name Nikola Jokić, what comes to mind?

Two-time NBA MVP. NBA Champion. Denver Nuggets superstar.

But beyond the jaw-dropping passes, clutch buckets, and playoff heroics lies a man who is completely unlike any other NBA superstar—and it’s not just because of his game.

Nikola Jokić’s lifestyle is turning heads not because it’s flashy, but because it’s shockingly normal—almost old-fashioned—and the polar opposite of what you’d expect from one of the greatest basketball players on the planet.

In an era where athletes showcase supercars, private jets, and high-end fashion, Jokić is quietly redefining what it means to be a superstar. Here are the most surprising—and refreshing—lifestyle secrets of the Joker.

1. He Still Prefers Horses Over Hollywood

Ask Jokić what he wants to do after winning a championship, and he’ll tell you:
“Go home to Serbia and ride horses.”

It’s not a joke. Nikola Jokić has an intense love for horse racing, and not just as a spectator. He owns and breeds horses in his hometown of Sombor, Serbia. When he’s not on the court, he’s often in the stables or at a harness racing track, far away from flashing lights and big-city crowds.

During the 2023 NBA championship parade, Jokić famously said,

“The job is done. We can go home now.”
His mind wasn’t on parties—it was on his horses.

Most players celebrate in Las Vegas. Jokić? He celebrates with his four-legged athletes.

2. He Doesn’t Care About Social Media Fame

In 2024, it’s rare to find a celebrity—especially an NBA MVP—who isn’t chasing clout online. But Jokić has zero interest in building a personal brand on Instagram or TikTok. He doesn’t tweet about his workouts. He doesn’t post videos of his cars. And he rarely interacts with fans through social media.

In fact, he’s said openly that he doesn’t even like social media, calling it a distraction.

His teammates joke that they barely see him on his phone. He’s more likely to spend time watching horse races or playing video games than scrolling through his mentions.

3. Fast Food and Soft Drinks? Sometimes, Yes

While most NBA stars follow strict nutrition plans, Jokić has admitted to enjoying the occasional fast food stop—especially earlier in his career.

When he entered the league, he was still carrying a bit of “baby fat,” and reporters frequently noted his soft physique. At one point, he even admitted to drinking three liters of Coca-Cola per day as a teenager.

Of course, his diet has improved significantly over the years, especially with Denver’s staff helping him slim down and improve endurance—but Jokić has never pretended to be obsessed with perfect eating. He’s proof that natural talent and hard work can beat image-focused perfection.

4. He Doesn’t Train Like Everyone Else

While most NBA players focus on flashy drills, highlight dunks, and Instagram-friendly workouts, Jokić sticks to the basics.

His workouts are old-school, focused on footwork, touch, and vision. He doesn’t lift to look like a model—he lifts to move better on the court. He’s not chasing a six-pack or vertical leap records. He’s focused on game skills, not aesthetics.

Trainers have said his warm-ups sometimes look more like a ballet than a basketball session—slow, controlled movements that enhance balance and body control.

5. He Rarely Wears Designer Clothing

You won’t catch Jokić walking into games wearing a $10,000 outfit or diamond-studded sneakers. In fact, fans often joke that he dresses like a “dad at a cookout”—with polo shirts, baggy jeans, and plain sneakers.

While many NBA players use pregame tunnels as fashion runways, Jokić walks in like he’s headed to the grocery store. And he’s totally fine with that.

Style? He has one: comfort.

6. He’s a Family-First Guy

Unlike many stars who are caught up in the nightlife or constant travel, Jokić keeps his inner circle extremely tight. He’s married to his longtime partner, Natalija Mačešić, and together they have a daughter. He spends most of his free time with them, and they’re often spotted at team events.

He even brought his daughter onto the championship parade stage in Denver—choosing to share his moment of glory with the people he loves most.

When he returns home to Serbia in the offseason, he doesn’t throw massive parties or go club-hopping—he hangs out with his brothers, friends, and horses.

7. He Truly Doesn’t Care About Being Famous

While many athletes dream of being in movies, commercials, or on magazine covers, Jokić has said repeatedly that he doesn’t care about fame.

When he was named MVP in 2021, the NBA couldn’t even reach him for hours—because he was riding a horse cart back home. He found out he’d won the most prestigious individual award in basketball while surrounded by farm animals, not cameras.

When asked about being the face of the league, he shrugged:

“That’s not for me. I just play basketball.”

8. His Teammates Love Him for Being Genuine

Despite being one of the most dominant forces in the game, Jokić doesn’t act like a star. His teammates constantly praise him for being humble, funny, and loyal.

He cracks dry jokes. He sings Serbian songs in the locker room. He plays pranks. He treats rookies with respect. He remembers where he came from—and never lets success go to his head.

Conclusion: The Anti-Superstar Who’s Taking Over the League

Nikola Jokić is not your typical MVP. He’s not chasing endorsement deals. He’s not trying to build a billion-dollar brand. He’s not interested in what people think of him on the internet.

And that’s exactly what makes him so special.

In a world full of hype, filters, and egos, Jokić stands out because he’s real. A player who dominates the NBA by day and feeds horses by night. A once-in-a-generation talent who still acts like a guy from a small town in Serbia.

His lifestyle might be shocking to some, but it’s a reminder that greatness doesn’t always come with flash—it often comes with authenticity, humility, and heart.