Nikola Jokic, the renowned NBA player standing tall at 7 feet, has expressed his yearning for a low-profile existence despite his status as one of the faces of the league. While his fame may seem glamorous, Jokic reveals that it is not as enjoyable as it appears.
Ambivalent Feelings towards Fame
Jokic, a two-time NBA MVP, acknowledges that fame has its pros and cons. In an interview with his teammate Michael Porter Jr. on the “Curious Mike” podcast, he shared his perspective, saying, “Being famous, some people like it, some people don’t. When I finish my career, I really wish nobody knows me. I wish my kids in the future remember me as a dad. I think that’s gonna be my goal in life.”
Jokic emphasizes that while basketball is his passion and talent, he believes that being famous is merely a byproduct of his success. He expresses his discomfort with the constant attention, stating, “I really don’t like this life because, at the end of the day, we are just basketball players. We are just good at what we are doing. But fame is something that is around us, and, of course, we are getting paid because of the media, because of our popularity.”
An Invasion of Privacy
The Serbian player finds it disheartening that his every move is documented by fans. Whether he is at a bar, restaurant, or attending a game, people are incessantly pulling out their phones to record him. He views this behavior as not only discourteous but also unnecessary, as he explains, “It just feels sad, whenever you go to the bar, restaurant, some game, people are just taking their phones out and trying to record you. I think that’s really, I’m going to say, rude. It’s not that I’m out showing myself; I’m just who I am.”
Yearning for Normalcy
Jokic confesses that his “big goal” is to lead a normal life and escape the trappings of fame. He desires the freedom to engage in everyday activities without the scrutiny and excessive attention. He envisions moments spent with friends, enjoying a drink, having lunch, playing with his children, or even indulging in hobbies, such as horse riding, without it becoming a spectacle.
Notably, Jokic recently signed a record-breaking $276 million contract, making it the most lucrative deal in NBA history. Despite his financial success, he remains steadfast in his desire for simplicity and a sense of normalcy.
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