Follow us on Google Discover Nikola Jokic has admitted he is becoming more “rude” when fans approach him, with the Denver Nuggets star revealing that the attention surrounding his NBA fame is becoming increasingly tiring.
The three-time MVP opened up about his relationship with popularity during an appearance on the Jao Mile Podcast, explaining that he no longer wants to take photographs whenever he is approached in public.
Jokic has spent more than a decade in the NBA and has become one of the most recognisable players in basketball. However, the Serbian centre made it clear that his status has made it harder to enjoy his personal time.
Photo by Massimo Ceretti/FIBA via Getty ImagesNikola Jokic explains why constant fan attention has become tiring
Jokic did not hide his frustration when discussing the number of people who approach him for photographs.
“I’m getting more and more bothered by popularity,” Jokic said. “This is going to sound corny, but I’m getting ruder to people who approach me. Honestly, it’s tiring.”
The Nuggets star explained that people close to him already know he does not like taking pictures during his own time.
“Some people around me know, I don’t take pictures because it’s my time,” Jokic said. “I’ll sound rude again, but what can I do? If people can’t understand me, I understand everything, but it’s been 11-12 years and enough is enough.”
Jokic also made an important distinction between fans speaking to him and immediately asking for a photograph. He said he would rather somebody simply tell him something, comparing the constant requests for pictures to photographing something at a zoo.
The 31-year-old also pushed back against the idea that he should be viewed as a role model for younger people.
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“Some people might not like it, but I don’t think they should be looking up to me. I’ve had both good and bad examples, but somehow I always knew deep down what was right, like, if I went outside at sixteen [years of age], I wouldn’t get drunk,” Jokic said.
Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
He added that he believes friends and family have a greater influence on children than public figures.
Jokic’s comments offer a rare insight into the downside of his extraordinary NBA success. While he remains one of the league’s biggest stars, he appears increasingly keen to protect the small amount of privacy that comes with life away from basketball.
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