Nikola Jokić On Minimizing Pressure With Preparation, Wanting A Low-Profile Life, and His Purpose 

People saying Jokic don't care and then you hear him saying "My motivation is winning. My lifestyle is winning. My obsession is winning" That line is COLD!

"I want my kids to remember me as a Dad and not as a basketball player... And to not have phone. Another big goal of mine." How can you not love this man.

Very cool to hear Jokic interviewed patiently by someone who knows him really well. Makes a big difference.

Jokic should be a role model for all kids who love basketball. He embraces Humility, Respect, Honor and putting priorities in the right place. A great man.

Never thought I’d see Jok on a pod 😂 Incredible episode!

“What is your purpose?” “When I saw the videos of people celebrating I got goosebumps… We affect so many people just by playing basketball… I think my purpose is to make people happy” What a wonderful note to end the interview on. Happy holidays everyone

Lots of Serbians in Serbia are watching the Denver nuggets, and even if it was to just watch Jokic at first, many people have grown to love the whole team and the franchise itself. I wish the Denver nuggets great success in the future and many more championships!

My dad passed in 2020 and his Nuggets were everything. He was there for the highs and the lowest of the low which the nuggets were. To see jokic win a title for the nuggets i could only cry for my dad.

These guys should be the face of the NBA...humility, class, professionalism, solid work ethic, and solid values.

MPJ swung the rock against warriors, Joker dunked and now he's on a podcast, Christmas is truly a time of miracles

Jokic getting goosebumps from thinking about the people that their championships made happy is the most wholesome thing ever. I love this guy. He's my idol. Be more like Jokic.

Couple years ago I was working in tech store in Sombor, and Nikola came to buy a PS4 :) I ofered him NBA game, and his reaction was gold :D broo I play that IRL give me some FIFA :D he was cool and we had a good laugh

Jokic really serious about not letting money and fame change him. What a legend.

Mike no joke, your breakdown after the podcast was so insightful, can't believe how much you've grown as a man over the years. As a lifelong die hard Nuggets fan, being able to root for a guy like you is an absolute joy. Salute my brother 🫡

they say Denzel Washington once said: "With so many things coming back in style, I can’t wait until morals, respect, and intelligence become a trend again." I truly hope these guys will be that spark.

Jokic hates interviews and only does it because he has too, yet he will gladly do it for his teammate what a guy

MPJ you have done something no media has done 🐐🐐🐐🐐

This is the first time I saw Jokić in an interview where he seems truly relaxed. I think he is definitely more comfortable talking with a friend than media that tries to sometimes create silly narratives. I like what you are doing with your podcast Mike. I believe you are getting better at the podcast and I think you are asking questions that are deep and important. I started loving basketball because of this Denver team a few years ago. You guys are definitely special! I still see some of the guys that went to other teams still missing the time they were in Denver. That happens for a reason. It's hard to leave a place that you feel really connected to. I love you guys. Keep it up!

The best European player ever and a phenomenal guy overall. Greetings from Croatia!

Jokic "Being afraid isn't a bad thing , its my fear that has brought me this far "

As a diehard Denver sports fan, I often find myself just baffled by how lucky we are to have this Nuggets team. Like how in the world did we happen to get such an incredible group of selfless and humble guys together to play the most beautiful brand of basketball, maybe ever? Unreal man. Thanks for another incredible episode Mike! Hoping you get Jamal on here soon as well!

We all need or know a Jokic in our life. Hardworking, humble and intelligent.

I'm a lifelong Celtic obsessed fanatic. These guys truly terrify me. Jokic is Bird reborn & he is as unstoppable in the post as McHale. No one could wish for the concentration of so much talent in one player. One word: Greatness. Denver is so lucky.

Jokic as most Europeans have, past and present, brings so much class to the NBA.

Media: No one can make jokic sit and talk on a long interview. Mike: Hold my beer

“Habits not goals” is outstanding! Couldn’t be more proud of MPJ watching this. Love this team!

The 1st 10 minutes alone shows that Jokic is a passionate and dedicated basketball player. I'm tired of people saying he doesn't care.

00:04 - Motivation and Winning 01:29 - Dealing with Pressure 04:42 - Game Preparation and Routine 08:17 - Life After Basketball 10:23 - Career Progression 13:15 - Top Players in the League 16:25 - Life After Basketball 17:49 - Purpose and Making People Happy 20:37 - Impact of NOA 25:37 - Team Dynamics and Culture 30:18 - Habits Not Goals

The respect that you have for Jokic really comes through when you speak about him.

MPJ definitely has a career after basketball in media. All his interviews are insightful and he always has great questions ready to ask. Good job bro!

Nikola svaka cast. Predstavljas Balkan i naše ljude u najboljem mogucem svjetlu. Skromnost je takva rijetkost u zapadnom svijetu i divim ti se kako si uspio ostat svoj. Bravo brate. Zivio

Jokic would never go for the bigger names to do interviews or podcasts, I think JJ Reddick even asked someone who knew him (maybe A.Gordon) because he really doesn't like the spotlight. He is all about playing, doing his job and that's it. But him doing this for MP just goes to show he cares for his teammates and his loyalty. Stand up guy, a true champion.

"We win so much we don't feel right losing"....that is the Nuggets mindset....it's beautiful!

Mavs fan. Outstanding pod MPJ! Not sure I've seen Jokic do a long form interview before, so this is a real treat for NBA fans! For Nikola Jokic to be so decorated (NBA Champion, Finals MVP, League MVP x 2, First Team All NBA x 3) and still all about the team, winning, and making his teammates and fans happy is what sets him apart.

Jokic will forever be my favorite athlete of all time

Jokic is so real. I've never been a basketball superstar fan...but my admiration for jokic as a huuman being and master mind have been heartfelt.

Jokic is such a class act and down to earth. Rooting for him and the Nuggets to repeat as champs.

Role models, plain and simple. As a Scotsman🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 basketball is a nothing sport here, but since I first watched the Nuggets I’m hooked. These guys are why.

The way he said 'For me, Basketball is easy' was cold af

Been following Jokic since his Mega days. Missed only one December Nuggets game few years ago, was telling people in my city that he is going to be special but even i, one of his most loyal fans from the start didn't saw that he would become legit one of the best player to ever play the game of basketball. Now, those same people i was telling them about how Jokic is special back in 15',16'17'...are telling me, who can believe that you were so high and so right about him, but man, at this point i am just happy to be alive in his time and witness the greatness. Jokara, veliki pozdrav i veliko hvala od jednog matorog Nislije.

I'll say this, amongst the true superstars in the NBA right now, I think Jokic is easily the best teammate in that group. I'm not in the Nugget's locker room, but it really seems like his humble character, his basketball IQ, and his work ethic rub off on every single player in that locker room. I've also never once heard Jokic direct blame towards a teammate, or fail to take responsibility when he screws up.

Man, I gotta say MPJ is a great interviewer. Great active listener, fluid conversationalist, doesn’t interrupt. And Jokic gave great answers because of it. Great stuff man, really enjoyed this 👏

Mike, you might not know this, but in a way, you are just like Nikola. You both are humble people who have big hearts. I think that's why people love this Nuggets team. I am a huge Broncos fan, but there has never been the bonding that you guys have as players and friends. I just hope you guys stay together for a while. Colorado is lucky to have you guys.

I’m a Houston rockets fan and got bored of the NBA so I stopped watching for a while, until the bubble I heard the nuggets were making come backs so I tuned in and saw Jokić play it was a breath of fresh air to be quite honest. I was getting bored of iso ball and 3 pointers but joker really got me watching basketball again. He’s my favorite player to watch his game is special and plays the right way, from passing to post up, and shooting overall TEAM basketball. Best player In the world no question.

Basketball is officially a side quest for Jokic. What an inspiring human being.

As a 50-year-plus fan, I am humbled, convicted, and dedicated to what you young men are doing. This town supports the commitment and dedication any team brings, and the Nuggets do just that. Side note. I see the growth in you, and it makes me happy. Stay strong young brotha. And stay the course. Win or lose, I believe this town and I have your back. Great job!

This dude made me love basketball again. I had been frustrated with the celebrity of everything for the last decade. Tired of all the complaining, griping, lack of humility, poor role models. Kids should be like Jokic.

Jokic on a podcast, now that s a Christmas present, Mike u the santa, we all thank you!!! Keep up the great work with podcast, Let's go Champs!!!

I've said this so many times. The NBA media fails to understand Joker just isn't that into THEM. He loves basketball, he loves winning. He just hates talking to morons about things they know nothing about.

Scary when arguably the best player in the world says “winning is my motivation, it’s my lifestyle” 😮😳

Well, as a 42 y.o. lifelong Nuggets fan, you've for sure made me happy Jok. Keep being awesome man.

We need more people like him in this crazy world.

It was really interesting to hear from Jokic's perspective how he prepares for games, and how he feels when he steps on the court. It was kind of a surprise hearing Jokic say that he does feel pressure but at the same time he said you need that pressure to motivate you to want to win against the person in front of you. Many people might not guess that he feels pressure like that obviously because of his calm/relaxed demeanor, but i found that very refreshing that he does lol makes him very relatable. It was also very nice to hear your perspective on how your relationship with Nikola has sort of evolved over the years, and just sharing the things that you've learned from being around him was very profound to hear and listen to. Thank you MPJ for getting Jokic on the podcast, this is by far the best interview in English he's ever done lol

Habits not goals, I like that, it is so true. First work on yourself and be happy with yourself and everything will come.

I love these Denver guys - Jokic, Murray, AG, MPJ - all such class acts…hope they are healthy and repeat

Would love for Jamal to come on at some point. You guys went through some tough times and injuries together, then came back to win it all the next season. It’s an inspiring story about perseverance that we can all learn from. I would love to see you guys have a conversation about it.

Wow. Mike is bringing in the unicorn of long-format interviews. What a treat.

He said “winning a chip was more of a relief than joy” thats a big statement coming from the fact that he was getting criticized for having to mvps he didn’t ask for and no playoffs success and every nba player/sports media was bashing him for possibly getting a third mvp nice way to end the season breezing through that post season

I love the tid bit after the interview with Nikola where he’s just talking about how great of a person Nikola Jokic is. It’s so nice and refreshing seeing two completely different human beings from the other side of the world grow a close bond and friendship over time.

Dude, I fucking love you Mike. I'll be completely honest when you first got drafted I thought you were just going to be "one of those I'm a superstar players". But to see your growth and maturity is legitimately inspiring to me. You've had to deal with so many challenges and Malone was definitely not easy on you either. But instead of folding or getting upset and asking for a trade or something like that, you just buckled down and became an amazing all around basketball player who can affect things even if his shot isn't falling. Listening to your monologue at the end was every bit as good as the actual Jokic interview which is saying a lot considering it's huge that he's even on a podcast in the first place. But it meant a lot to me. "Habits, not goals" is something I didn't realize I desperately needed to hear until now. Much love from a complete stranger my boy. Thanks again for doing this!

Svaka ti čast Mike. You will be welcomed in Serbia with open arms.

First time seeing a Jokic interview, interesting to see his thought process and a glimpse of who he is.

It BLEW MY MIND to see Jokic on a podcast! What a time to be a Nuggets fan! Love Jokic and MPJ!

the most anticipated interview of my lifetime 🃏

The fact he said he does all of it to make people happy and he got goosebumps talking about all the celly videos when we won the chip. 😢

This is by far the best Jokic interview. MPJ killed this

At the time of writing this comment there are 1,746 other comments, so no I’m not going through all them, but I have read a LOT of them. And a recurring theme appears to be just how ‘humble’ the whole squad is. I think there is good reason for this and it is called Jokic. When the by far and away best player in the whole league is in your team and they show no real appreciable ego it is then difficult for the lesser player to be so egotistical, as that then just comes across as arrogant and crass. The Joker is a breath of fresh air in the NBA world and long may it continue.

Man, listening to MPJ at the end of the podcast gave me chills. Love his attitude, his maturity, knowing what his role is, what's really important... I remembered when he arrived in Denver, his relationship with Joker was rocky at first, MPJ wanted more minutes and more systems for him, kind of fed up about Jamal and Joker 2 man game. Now he figured out that he can be a key piece even without having many plays run for him. I do live this new MPJ, especially off court and wish him all the best.

The elusive "Monster in the Rocky Mountains", the "Joker", Nikola Jokić finally been found on a recent interview, and it's on Curious Mike's podcast no less. Perfect host for the MVP himself! ❤️🏀🔥

Asked about his personal success and he immediately shifts to the team success in his answer. Gotta love it.

The lifestyle of winning is respect. Being champions and a 2 time MVP brings a lot of respect to your name and I see how and why you would want to maintain that.

I've been a die hard Nuggets fans since before these guys were born. I'm so grateful for these young men. Go Nuggets.

When the nuggets won their chip I cried tears of joy on the floor after jumping around and yelling for a couple minutes. I know it’s just sports but the validation of all the years talking about the nuggets, putting my neck out there w hot tales about joker being the future best player in the league when NURKIC was still starting. Now after all these years like I said the validation is awesome.

Die hard Kings fan here, turned secondhand Nuggets fan after Sacramento did Michael Malone dirty AF, leading him to wind up in Denver. I knew he was a special coach just from his short stint in Sac. He was the only coach that Demarcus Cousins ever legitimately respected, and that said a lot. I couldn’t be happier for his success in helping develop this incredible, historic, and genuine-hearted team, and for the city of Denver. Y’all had a streak of some really painful seasons. Us Kings fans know best how that feels. Real happy for y’all. Soak it in. Truly appreciate this special moment in basketball. We may never see an all-time great who is this humble and down to earth ever again. I never imagined that anybody could possibly be more laid back and real than Tim Duncan, but Joker is giving him a SERIOUS run for his money. You really couldn’t ask for a better dude to be the face of your franchise.

Serbia loves you Mr. Portervic. You are always welcome bruv.

HO LEE SHNITT. One of Jok’s first long form interviews comes on MPJ’s pod. MPJ becoming a BOSS.

I speak for all of Nuggets Nation by saying we appreciate this interview so much. Joker said that his goal is to bring others happiness and by doing this interview you and Joker have done that. It’s nice to get to learn more about all of you guys on these interviews because this is a friend to friend conversation and not a media driven interview. Keep up the good work Mike! We all appreciate these videos a lot

The respect of jokic towards MPJ answering the questions heartily,and giving him props for the great questions.

Of all the podcast possibilities, he did the one hosted by his teamate Even off the court, it's all about the team

We got 20 minutes of the real Jokic chopping it up with a teammate after 8 years in the league. Retire MPJ's number.

I like how he always compliments a good question before answering LOL

I love the insight that the Nuggets aren't glory and fame hungry. It shows on the court as well and I love to see it.

City of Denver so blessed to witness y’all’s greatness.

Great questions. Been a huge fan of the nuggets since 06-07 and this squad is easily my favorite. Everyone is so likeable and that culture stems from Jokić. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to the Nugs.

His mental is strong. Being fearful or nervous is inevitable, but the trick is to understand what the worst case scenario is (accept that it is a possibility) and then do all you can to prevent it.

"Make people happy, that's supposed to be our goal". You got it, Nikola!! You guys are awesome, we love you! 🏀 PS. Mike, you should def go to Serbia, have Natalija introduce you to some of her nice friends there 🧡 Mihailo Porterović! Živeli!

So I was always highly touted as a basketball player back in the day but went military instead. In 2013 I got paralyzed on a deployment as well as becoming a double amputee. The way y'all speak about overcoming and adapting to your environments speaks VOLUMES to me bro. You, Joker, and the rest of your team truly have brought so much joy to my life. Much love brother, keep up the amazing work and keep on keeping on!!!!!

Jokic is literally a treasure.

Jokic cares about everything he does. He took steps to become better player and then the MVP’s came and with that the pressure of winning the championship that’s why he felt relief when he won it. He is stand up guy and he does what he needs so the whole team can have success. He doesn’t care about personal accomplishments but they come with his success on the court

"Habits, not goals." Solid advice at the end there.

Very great interview. It was dope to see joker so open and giving very detailed answers. I think the "he doesn't care about basketball" narrative could be laid to rest with this interview. Hopefully...

Bro jokic need to do more long form media. Really makes u understand why he’s as great as he is

Nikola is so unwoke, beautiful Balkan soul, the same as his best friend Luka. We are very proud of you guys, beside all the fame you remained two Serbian kids playing basketball on the court between two buildings. Finish your career as NBA legends, take billion each and come back home, you know atmosphere there is sick.

Good interview. European players have better discipline in lifestyle. And it is helping American players to become Humble.

Bro is humble asf that’s why he’s winning

Mpj could shoot 20% from 3 for the rest of the season and he’d still be mvp for getting jokic to agree to a 30 minute podcast

Bring all the positivity you can to Aaron. Hope all is well. Love seeing Mr. Jokic.

in 30 minutes, Jokic has proven he is the absolute fucking man

Jokic is like a textbook savant. He intuitively understood how to be an elite basketball player before even learning what basketball is beyond the rules of the game. Most people who get into basketball start off as fans, by the time they’re any good at it they’ll already be familiar with most of its history and the culture around it. All Jokic did was pick up a ball and play.

Really nice 20 mins interview with Jokic and another 10 mins of MPJ exp with Nikola! Lets goooo!!!