Nikola Jokic returned to Serbia in time to see his favorite horses run in his birthplace.
Less than a week after guiding the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA title, Jokic returned to his hometown of Sombor on Sunday to chase his passion for horse racing.
Thousands of fans flocked to the local horse racing track to witness Jokic’s family-owned horses compete in harness races. Many more wore T-shirts featuring Jokic’s photo, with others saying “Be the Next Champion” and “Sombor, the Town of Champions.”
A billboard reading “Welcome Home MVP” featured Jokic wearing his No. 15 Nuggets jersey next to galloping horses.
Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic returns to his Serbian hometown to watch his family’s horses compete | AP News
Jokic was apprehensive about returning home in time for Sunday’s races after attending the NBA championship party in Denver on Thursday. He joked that he’d ask Nuggets President Josh Kroenke to give him the team plane so he could there on time.Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets arrives at the hippodrome in Sombor, northern Serbia, on Sunday, June 18, 2023. Jokic arrived in Serbia after the Denver Nuggets won the NBA Championship by defeating the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic.
Today was a fantastic day at the Sombor Hippodrome. The beer and BBQ kiosks were in full flow, as was the celebratory atmosphere, with people waiting in lengthy lines to participate.
Jokic arrived late to the track, trailed by local reporters. He was known for his calm and laconic personality, and he declined to speak with journalists when he arrived on the track.
The Nikola Jokic mission: Inside the Nuggets’ undercover MVP trip to Serbia.
He would periodically attend the grandstand, accompanied by relatives and friends, and watch each race in which his family’s stable competed before disappearing from view. He was with his wife, daughter, brother, father, and friends.
When Jokic first emerged, the audience burst with excitement and ecstasy. He was wearing a polo shirt with the term “Dream Catcher” on it, the name of the first horse he bought years ago.
His father, Branislav, alleged that Jokic refused to answer media queries.
Nuggets’ amazing surprise for Nikola Jokic: A worthy homage to the most worldwide NBA of all time – Marca
“He told me, ‘Dad, I’ve had enough publicity in the last few days,'” Branislav Jokic explained. “And I believe him.”
Jokic exhibited a significant interest in horses and horse racing as a child, which nearly led him away from basketball, according to his father.
Denver won the NBA title on Monday, defeating the Miami Heat 94-89, with Jokic scoring 28 points, 16 rebounds, and earning Finals MVP honors.
Jokic, affectionately referred to as the Joker by his supporters, is coming off a historic playoff performance in which he became the first player to lead the league in overall points (600), rebounds (269), and assists (190) all in the same postseason.