Nikola Jokić has gone from being a second-round pick in the 2014 NBA draft to a three-time MVP.
And if you don't think those humble origins have fueled him, at least a little, perhaps the warmup shirts the Denver Nuggets were wearing ahead of a Game 5 matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves—on the same night Jokić will be presented with his MVP award—might convince you otherwise:
Mike Singer @msingerThe latest Nikola Jokic MVP shirt:<br><br>"Remember when you laughed at me?<br><br>"Now I have MVP." <a href="">
Jake Shapiro @ShapaliciousRemember when you laughed at me? Peyton Watson the first of many Nuggets to wear these new shirts for Nikola Jokic's third MVP <a href="">
The picture in the shirts referenced both his nickname, The Joker, and also a photo of a young Jokić rocking a Nuggets sweatshirt during his childhood:
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportJokić wearing a Denver Nuggets sweater in Serbia 23 years ago 🤯<br><br>Meant to be.<br><br>(via misko4raznatovic/IG) <a href="">
Jokić is a singular talent, sporting the ability to score at all three levels, pass like an elite point guard and crash the boards with his physical frame, all while rumbling down the court and getting to his spots with an "old man playing pickup" vibe that belies his elite finesse and coordination.
Mock him at your own peril.
