Nikola Jokic is back on track after a poor end to his 2023-24 NBA season.

The Denver Nuggets centre was seen in Abu Dhabi, meeting two falcons who were described as “lifelong fans.”

Notably, the Nuggets will return to Abu Dhabi in fall, where they will face the defending NBA Champion Boston Celtics in two preseason games on Friday, October 4 and Sunday, October 6, in the UAE capital.

Jokic, who is most known for his offseason horseback riding, appears to have taken up falconry as part of a Visit Abu Dhabi push to promote the fall preseason games.

According to the tourism organisation, falconry has been a popular pastime in the area for thousands of years. Falconry requires patience and cooperation between the falconer and the bird. By treating the bird with care and empathy, the falconer gains its confidence and obedience. Emirati falconers have created their own breeding and training methods over time.

Could this be Jokic’s next job possibility after retiring from basketball? Or is it possible that Joker was peering deep into the falcon’s eyes to see if it could fill the horse-shaped hole in his heart?