By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
From mistakenly believing he was the last pick to the losing end of the All-Star Game, Nikola Jokic had an eventful birthday in Salt Lake City Sunday.
“I thought I was last. I just stood up because I thought I was last. And I felt bad, especially now that we lost,” the Serbian big explained why he introduced himself to Team LeBron before LeBron James actually picked him before tipoff.
“He feels bad because he didn’t realize Lauri Markkanen was still on the stage,” mentioned Michael Malone, the Denver Nuggets head coach also responsible for Team LeBron in the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.
Jokic turning 28 was actually the penultimate pick, ahead of Finland’s own Utah Jazz forward completing Team Giannis. Looking to reduce the stigma of being selected last, the league reversed the order of picks starting from the reserves and finishing with the starters. But the spotlight went back at the end of the process.
“I would not draft myself either,” Jokic jokingly added on staying on the table until nearly the conclusion of separating the All-Star teams, “I’m not meant for this game.”
The Joker went for four points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals over 20 minutes in Vivint Arena. Team LeBron lost, 184-175, in a contest lacking any kind of defense and labeled as the worst game ever by Malone.
Nikola Jokic likes Denver over Europe
Established as the cornerstone of the franchise and named season MVP in 2021 and 2022. The All-Star Game in Salt Lake City marked the fifth straight appearance since 2019. But things could have been different to some extent.
Jokic went on to share some details of FC Barcelona scouting him as a youngster before the Nuggets landed him with the 41st pick of the 2014 NBA draft.
“It’s probably the best worst game in my life. It was a long time ago. I didn’t have a really good game,” he remembered a specific game for Mega under the observation of Barca officials, “Worst game ever, in Barcelona.”
“How the story was told to me, just kind of stand by, just waited a little bit,” added the Serbian big, “So they just waited a couple more months, and then the Denver Nuggets show up. Now I’m here.”
“I’m not sure that I like to go back to Europe to play,” he replied to a question about possibly wanting to play for Barcelona while keeping a smile on his face, “I like it here.”
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