Nikola Jokic opens up about fame, fans and his role-model status.© Image via Getty Images
Nikola Jokic has never looked like a player chasing the spotlight, and his latest comments make that even clearer. The Denver Nuggets star has admitted that being famous is becoming harder for him, especially when fans approach him during his personal time.
Speaking on the Jao Mile Podcast, Jokic said he is becoming more bothered by his popularity after around 11 or 12 years in the public eye. The three-time NBA MVP also admitted that he has become more direct with fans asking for pictures because he wants some private time.
Nikola Jokic Opens Up About Growing Tired Of Fame
Jokic did not try to hide how he feels about the attention anymore. He said constant approaches from fans can be tiring and admitted that he is becoming “ruder” to people who ask him for pictures. For Jokic, the issue is not understanding why fans recognize him.
His problem is the lack of personal space. Jokic explained that he does not usually take pictures when he is spending his own time away from basketball. He said he understands the excitement from fans, but after more than a decade of this, he feels he has reached his limit.
That part of Jokic’s comments also explains why his attitude toward fame has changed over time. He is still aware of what his career means to fans, but he wants people to understand that being an NBA superstar does not mean every moment belongs to the public. That leads into another part of his comments that was just as direct.
Nikola Jokic Says He Does Not See Himself As A Role Model
The conversation took another turn when Jokic discussed young fans who look up to him. His answer was not what many would expect from one of basketball’s biggest stars. Jokic said he does not believe young people should automatically treat him as someone they need to follow.
Jokic believes family and friends have a much bigger role in shaping young people. He also explained that he had good examples around him when he entered the NBA, including Wilson Chandler, Jameer Nelson and Mike Miller. He said he learned from them simply by watching how they worked.
That view fits the way Jokic has handled his career. He rarely presents himself as a celebrity and has generally kept his personal life away from the spotlight. Now, after years of public attention, he is making one thing clear: being one of the NBA’s best players does not mean he wants to be treated like a public figure every minute of the day.
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