"How can I be the backup to the best player in the world!?" Croatian player found it tough with Jokić: "I didn't talk to him much"

Pulse Sports Team 00:08 - 22 April 2026

Croatian basketball player Dario Šarić, currently a free agent after being waived by the Detroit Pistons, spoke about his NBA experience, particularly his time with the Denver Nuggets.

In an interview with "Sport Sunday," Šarić reflected on his stint with the Denver Nuggets during the 2024/25 season, where he was expected to be the backup for Nikola Jokić, the league's three-time MVP.

"A one-year offer came from Denver, but I was looking for a two-year contract with an option for me to decide on the second season. However, the season started, and I must admit I didn't react well. It was tough for me to be the backup to the best player in the world, who will end up as one of the top five or ten players in history. The rhythm of playing five or six minutes every two games just didn't suit me." Dario Šarić

He played only 16 games for the Colorado team and explained his expectations versus the role he was assigned.

"When I asked them what position I would play, they told me I'd be the backup center. I find it challenging to play six minutes behind Jokić. Later, they mentioned I'd play at the 'four' position, but I never got a real opportunity. Whether I would have succeeded or not, we can't know, but they should have given me a chance." Dario Šarić

When asked about his communication with the Serbian center regarding his team status, Šarić responded:

"I didn't talk to him much. He has his own rhythm and an established system. Jokić knows exactly what Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and his other teammates bring. Coach Mike Malone was under pressure to win, so it's questionable whether he was willing to experiment in such a situation."

He ultimately noted that circumstances changed too late for him.

"Malone was fired three or four games before the playoffs. If that had happened earlier and someone had given me a chance, who knows what might have been. Jokić has to play 38 to 40 minutes per game. In those few games when the coach did put me in, I played center alongside Peyton Watson. He's a great player, but together we were too thin and short for that position." Dario Šarić