DENVER — On Wednesday, the Denver Nuggets celebrated Nikola Jokic’s 30th birthday with a comical, albeit off-key rendition of the “Happy Birthday” song gathered around the star player near the 3-point line. The usually composed three-time NBA MVP appeared shy during the festivities.
“I don’t like my birthday,” Jokic admitted, referencing the reality of aging. When asked about getting better with time, he joked, “Like wine.” While he maintains a youthful spirit, evidenced by his new Peppa Pig-themed sneakers, his performance on the court has evolved significantly. Currently, he boasts impressive averages of 29.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 10.2 assists. Furthermore, he leads the league with 25 triple-doubles, just four away from matching the franchise record he set in the previous season.
Coach Michael Malone expressed uncertainty regarding Jokic’s limits, saying, “Geez, I don’t know. He keeps on pushing the envelope.” As the Nuggets prepare to host Charlotte on Thursday, Malone emphasized the importance of allowing Jokic to continue developing without imposing any ceiling on his abilities, adding that witnessing his growth is exhilarating.
When Jokic joined the Nuggets as a 20-year-old, he was a player in need of improved fitness and refined footwork. Over the past decade, he has transformed into one of the league’s most formidable talents, leading the Nuggets to their first NBA championship in 2023. Today, he is married with two young children and holds a bronze medal earned with Serbia at the Paris Olympics last summer. Additionally, he is set to release his signature shoe, inspired by Peppa Pig, a beloved children’s character.
This season, Jokic has added a new facet to his game—long-range shooting—recording a career-high 45% from beyond the arc. Malone noted, “He is playing the best basketball of his life,” while also highlighting that, at his core, Jokic remains the same person rooted in his Serbian background and grateful for those who helped him achieve success.
Malone believes that Jokic’s style, which focuses on intelligence and skill rather than sheer athleticism, could allow him to maintain an elite performance level for many years. He remarked, “He’s not driving down the lane and dunking on people every night. So I think that bodes well for his longevity,” although Jokic indicated that the desire to play long enough for his kids to witness his games is not a determining factor for him.
Jokic recently returned from a trip to San Francisco, where he participated in the All-Star Game with Chuck’s Global Stars, scoring two points in 10 minutes during a defeat to Shaq’s OGs. “Part of the business, part of the job,” he reflected on the experience, stating, “I would rather be somewhere else … it’s a blessing and a curse.”
As the Nuggets prepare for the remainder of the season, they find themselves on an eight-game winning streak and currently ranked third in the Western Conference. The team is also regaining players’ health, with Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring), Russell Westbrook (hamstring), and Aaron Gordon (calf) all participating in practice Wednesday, leaving only Peyton Watson (knee) absent.
With 27 games left in the season, the Nuggets are strategizing on lineup adjustments to optimize their playoff chances. Malone stated, “I look at it the opposite way. I’m really fortunate to have a tough decision to make where you have quality players that have really impacted winning.” This sentiment resonates with Jokic, who is keen on fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.
“He’s our heartbeat,” commented Julian Strawther, who recently participated in the Rising Stars event. “It’s not always being a vocal leader but leading by example with the things he does and how hard he works. Having him on our side makes us feel a lot better.”
