Nikola Jokic’s attitude and dedication have often been misunderstood due to his calm demeanor and frequent statements treating basketball as “just a job.” However, Michael Porter Jr, now with the Brooklyn Nets and a former teammate, recently offered a revealing perspective on Jokic’s work ethic during an appearance on Johnny Manziel’s podcast. Porter Jr highlighted that despite the outward appearance of detachment after achievements like winning a championship, Jokic’s daily routine and commitment to his craft are anything but casual.
Porter Jr explained that Jokic’s greatness is no accident, emphasizing the superstar’s rigorous daily habits and his meticulous approach to maintaining his skills. He said,
“It’s the same things the media sees, like him winning the championship and then him just saying, like a job is over. I get to go home now. Like, he’s just such a family dude. But at the same time, people don’t realize like you don’t achieve that type of greatness by accident. His day-to-day habits and his day-to-day the way he works at his craft is unbelievable.”
—Michael Porter Jr, Brooklyn Nets Forward
Further highlighting Jokic’s discipline, Porter Jr detailed his relentless consistency in physical care and training. Contrary to the public perception that Jokic might lack passion, Porter Jr stated,
“Like, he’s the most consistent guy in terms of getting his treatment, in terms of his court times, in terms of his lifts after the game. Like people have this perception of Nikola, like he doesn’t care that much, but he cares so much about basketball and being great, and that’s why he is the player he is. I haven’t seen anyone in my life that consistent.”
—Michael Porter Jr, Brooklyn Nets Forward
Jokic’s Approach Compared to Other Greats Like LeBron James
Porter Jr didn’t stop at just describing Jokic’s routine; he elevated the conversation by comparing Jokic’s approach to that of LeBron James, known for his legendary commitment to maintaining peak performance. Porter Jr remarked on the similarities in their dedication, stating,
“You know, I’ve heard the stories of LeBron and how LeBron has been able to uphold his greatness, and it’s through consistency day to day. But Nikola is the same way, man. He’s taking care of himself, and he’s going to be ready to go when the game comes around.”
—Michael Porter Jr, Brooklyn Nets Forward
This endorsement places Jokic in the company of the NBA’s all-time greats not just for talent but for his determined work ethic and self-care, underscoring the seriousness with which he treats basketball despite his relaxed public persona.
Celebrating Jokic’s Family Focus Amid NBA Pressure
Nikola Jokic is widely known as a devoted family man, a trait that some fans and analysts have oddly criticized, assigning less importance to his personal values in favor of professional achievement. However, NBA player Dennis Schroder shared admiration for Jokic’s priorities during EuroBasket 2025, even as they competed against each other. Schroder expressed his fascination with how basketball ranks behind family and personal interests such as horses in Jokic’s life. He said,
“I find it fascinating that basketball really only comes second or third in his life,”
and added,
“He enjoys spending time with his family and his horses. He lives for the things that matter to him.”
—Dennis Schroder, Sacramento Kings Guard
Schroder also acknowledged Jokic’s undeniable basketball excellence, noting,
“He says he doesn’t want to be remembered in the books for basketball, but for how good he is as a father. But as a player, he’s the best in the world.”
—Dennis Schroder, Sacramento Kings Guard
Jokic’s desire to be remembered foremost as a father rather than just an NBA star challenges conventional definitions of legacy in professional sports, presenting a more human and grounded perspective on success.
Jokic’s Stellar Performance Highlights His Dedication
Despite his laid-back attitude toward the game’s public fanfare, Nikola Jokic continues to deliver exceptional performances. In the previous season, he put up career-best numbers, averaging 29.6 points and 10.2 assists per game, alongside 1.8 steals, and shooting an impressive 41.7% from beyond the arc. His rebounding numbers also remain elite, recording 12.7 rebounds per game, just slightly below his career-best of 13.8 boards from the 2021-22 season.
These statistics reinforce the message from Porter Jr and Schroder that Jokic’s outward stoicism conceals an intense dedication and passion for basketball. His consistent excellence on the court is a direct reflection of his disciplined preparation and personal balance outside the game.
Reimagining the NBA Legend Through Family and Focus
Nikola Jokic’s unique balance of approaching basketball as “just a job,” while maintaining an extraordinary level of commitment, opens the door to rethinking what it means to be an NBA legend. His priority on family and personal well-being suggests that greatness in professional sports doesn’t require a sacrifice of personal values or identity.
As Jokic continues to perform at the highest level, his dedication is likely to inspire other athletes to adopt a similar holistic approach to their careers. His example signals a shift toward valuing consistent work ethic coupled with a strong family foundation, potentially influencing how future stars define their legacies within and beyond basketball.