While most NBA players avoid the risk of injury in the offseason, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic stayed active by racing a high-speed train in China. This unexpected challenge happened during the summer break, providing a lighthearted moment that attracted attention far beyond typical basketball news. Jokic’s playful sprint captured the imagination of fans who enjoyed seeing the star compete outside the usual court setting.
Summer League and Basketball’s Offseason Dynamics
Each year after the NBA Finals, fans turn their attention to the Draft and the lively trade market, while the Summer League offers rookies and fringe players a chance to prove themselves. However, established stars like Jokic usually sit these events out to avoid injury since there’s little to gain. Instead, Jokic’s high-speed train race gave fans a fresh way to engage with the league’s most beloved superstar during the offseason.
Fans React to Jokic’s Playful Race
Reactions to Jokic’s sprint were diverse across the globe. Some viewers joked about his speed, with one comment on X saying, “He runs like the Flash,” highlighting his surprising quickness. Others humorously compared him to a comedic figure, with a Reddit user stating, “He runs like Mr. Bean.” This amusing contrast shows how fans enjoy Jokic’s down-to-earth personality as much as his basketball talents.
Jokic’s Off-Court Persona and Season Expectations
Though Jokic is known for dominant performances on the court, most don’t picture him as a traditional superhero figure, given his everyman physical stature. Still, he carried much of the Denver Nuggets’ workload last season, demonstrating resilience and skill without the flashiness of a typical “Man of Steel” type. With this lighthearted race, Jokic reveals a more playful side, balancing intense on-court leadership with offseason fun.
Nuggets’ Team Changes Set the Stage for Next Season
After the Nuggets’ recent playoff elimination, the organization made significant moves to support Jokic. David Adelman was promoted from interim to full-time head coach, replacing Michael Malone. On the roster side, Denver exchanged Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson and traded Dario Saric for Jonas Valanciunas, while adding veterans Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. These changes aim to provide Jokic with better reinforcements and lessen the burden he carried last year.
Renewed Optimism for Jokic and the Nuggets
With a stronger supporting cast including Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray alongside the new additions, Jokic will be in a better position to lead Denver in the upcoming season. No longer isolated like in a “Fortress of Solitude,” the MVP is expected to return with renewed energy and determination, giving Nuggets fans plenty to look forward to as the new season approaches.
“He runs like the Flash.” —Anonymous X commenter
“He runs like Mr. Bean.” —Reddit user
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much money is Nikola Jokic?
A. The player, drafted in 2014, spent three seasons with the Denver Nuggets. In 2018, he extended his contract for five years, earning up to $147 million. Later, in 2022, he signed a five-year supermax contract worth $264 million.