Without question, one of the greatest players in the NBA’s current generation is Nikola Jokic. A dynamic center who continuously demonstrated his value. Consequently, he inked one of the largest contracts in the game last year, a $270,000,000 agreement with the Denver Nuggets. That being said, not everything about his endorsements is perfect, even with such a large contract. In fact, according to Sportico, as of 2022, he and The King, LeBron James, have a whopping $88,000,000 difference in endorsement revenue.
The big new five-year contract agreement with Jokic was signed to before the 2022–2023 season began. A deal that was, in every sense, justly obtained. He received the contract from the Nuggets after two consecutive MVP campaigns. They also don’t regret how the 2022–2023 season concluded.
Compared to LeBron James, who made $90,000,000 from sponsorships, Nikola Jokic only made $2,000,000.
For the past three seasons, Nikola Jokic has been among the NBA’s finest players without a doubt. The enormous $270,000,000 deal he was given last year reflects this. a contract he was able to secure with two MVP seasons and amazing performances. Although he makes a lot of money as an NBA player, the same cannot be said about the money he receives from endorsement deals.
Joker has only made $2,000,000 from endorsements as of 2022. A substantial amount, but nothing in contrast to four-time MVP LeBron James’s. With his enormous $90,000,000 in endorsement revenue last year, The King outperformed Jokic by $88,000,000.
Not only that, but a few of the other MVPs in the league have also been earning large sums of money. Stephen Curry made $45 million, Joel Embiid made $6 million, Russell Westbrook made $30 million, Derrick Rose made $11 million, James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo made $36 million, and Kevin Durant made $48 million last year.
It’s evident that Jokic has been passed over by all the major companies. But he has an NBA Championship under his belt now, so there’s no reason he shouldn’t be taking home absurd endorsement deals like the other past MVPs.
Gilbert Arenas feels Jokic’s lack of recognition stems from the fact that his style of play isn’t s**y.
Many people think Nikola Jokic is criminally underappreciated. Gilbert Arenas is a member of them. The Joker is adored by the former NBA player. However, unlike the LeBron Jameses and Steph Currys of the league, he feels that the 2023 NBA Champion receives little to no credit.
Now, why is it the case? It’s all because Jokic’s game isn’t enough for NBA fans, to hear No Chill Gil put it.
It’s undoubtedly an intriguing perspective. Additionally, it is a really logical one. Though he might not be as showy as other players, true NBA fans are aware of the Serbian superstar’s amazing baller skills.