As if being the NBA Finals MVP wasn’t enough, Nikola Jokic followed his most successful NBA season with his most successful racing season ever.

Jokic estimated Friday that 2023 was the finest year for his Dream Catcher horse stable, but only because of quantity; he bought more horses and so won more races.

“We matured. “We matured,” Jokic remarked during Nuggets training camp. “I have horses all over the place — I have them in France, Italy, and Serbia.” I’m thrilled because they’re all winning races.”

“They don’t need to win races,” he said, catching himself. That’s my pastime. I simply hope they’re in decent shape and run well. They are not required to win.”

Jokic’s own star horses include Brennan Laumar and Amy Del Duomo, but his enthusiasm for the sport was evident on Friday. He picked up a live race in Lexington, Kentucky, to watch on his phone after leaving the basketball court for the final time this week. When he retires from basketball, he hopes to buy additional horses and continue developing his stable. “I love it,” he exclaimed. “It’s my obsession.” It takes me out of this thing.”