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Nikola Jokić Rebuts ‘Doesn’t Care’ Narrative, Picks NBA Title Over Horses and Clarifies Career Plan

In an ESPN interview, the Nuggets center tied his career horizon to staying healthy at an elite level, prioritizing another championship.

Overview

  • Jokić dismissed questions about his drive, saying “I care a lot” and stressing that winning defines his purpose in the sport.
  • Asked to choose between a horse racing crown and another NBA ring, he answered “NBA championship right now.”
  • He said he intends to keep playing only while he can perform at a high level and remain healthy, pushing back on early-retirement talk.
  • The three-time MVP recently returned from a left-knee hyperextension and logged limited All-Star minutes, a flashpoint in debates over his engagement.
  • Through 39 games he is averaging 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 10.7 assists, with Denver 35-20 and near the top of the Western Conference.