image via The New Yorker
Nikola Jokić has reached a point where he wants his life away from basketball to remain just that — his life.
The Denver Nuggets superstar recently opened up about the growing frustration he feels when fans approach him in public, admitting that his increasing popularity has made everyday life more difficult.
“I’m getting more and more bothered by popularity,” Jokić said. “This is going to sound corny, but, I’m getting ruder to people who approach me. Honestly, it’s tiring.”
Jokić explained that he has intentionally stopped taking pictures with people in certain situations because he considers that time to be personal.
“Some people around me know, I don’t take pictures because it’s my time,” he said. “I’ll sound rude again, but what can I do?”
The three-time NBA MVP also made it clear that this isn’t a new frustration.
“If people can’t understand me, I understand everything, but it’s been 11-12 years and enough is enough.”
Jokić Wants to Be Nikola, Not Just an NBA Superstar
Jokić has long been known for keeping a relatively low profile away from basketball. Unlike many NBA stars who embrace the celebrity lifestyle, the Serbian center has consistently appeared more comfortable spending time with family, friends and his horses than being surrounded by cameras and fans.
But becoming one of the biggest stars in basketball has made anonymity increasingly difficult.
For Jokić, the issue appears to be less about disliking fans and more about having boundaries when he’s away from the court.
Professional athletes routinely deal with requests for photographs, autographs and interactions whenever they appear in public. For players who have spent more than a decade in the spotlight, however, those interactions can become exhausting.
Jokić’s comments highlight a reality that can sometimes get lost when fans see their favorite athletes in public:
Being famous doesn’t mean someone is available 24/7.
Jokić has spent more than a decade performing at the highest level of professional basketball. When he’s away from the arena, he understandably wants some time where he isn’t Nikola Jokić the NBA superstar.
And judging by his latest comments, he’s asking fans to respect that boundary.
What Do You Think?
Is Nikola Jokić justified in refusing pictures and interactions when he’s off the clock?
Or do fans have a reasonable expectation that NBA superstars should be willing to interact with them when they’re recognized in public?
Who’s right?
Sound off in the comments.
