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The American Dream, Serbian Style: How Nikola Jokić Really Lives in Denver. An Insider Reveals Details About the Joker and His Family's Life /VIDEO/

While NBA stars choose luxury, the Jokić family is building a world by their own rules in the heart of Colorado, and we bring you the story of what that looks like from a Denver resident's perspective.
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His countrymen celebrate him like a god, but how does Nikola Jokić spend his time when he's not making history on the court? An American who has followed him closely for years reveals to Sportal how the Joker and his family truly live and why passersby don't greet him when they see him in the city.

Tatiana Klinares, creator of popular NBA video content, spoke to a Serbian media outlet for the first time. Tatiana is known to the public primarily for the memorable moments of our Nikola Jokić that she has managed to capture. Now, for Sportal, she reveals the stories the city of Denver “keeps” about our legendary basketball player and whether he is truly underrated by the American media.

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"Thank you, Serbia, for lending us Nikola Jokić"

Everyone here adores Nikola Jokić, and with that comes a love for Serbia, because we simply appreciate how much he loves his country. We are grateful for everything he does. We feel so much pride, we can't even imagine how proud you all must be, but yes, we feel incredibly lucky to have him here. I'm just so thankful that he shares a part of that love with us here in Denver.Tatiana Klinares, NBA social media content creator

It's often said that Nikola's performance isn't valued as highly as that of homegrown NBA stars. Although he could school most of them in basketball, the American public seems to have grown accustomed to his daily dominance, often forgetting what a treasure they have. Do you get the impression that Jokić doesn't receive as much recognition from Americans as he deserves?

I think he's a fan favorite here. Everyone loves him. I'm not sure if it's sometimes the language barrier that prevents him from getting as much recognition as he deserves. But I think we love him; he amazes us every day, in every game. We are so grateful to be able to watch him and to say that he represents us and the city of Denver. So, yes, sometimes when he gives interviews, the way things are translated isn't 100 percent accurate. I definitely notice that. Thank you for lending us Nikola Jokić and sending him over here. We're taking good care of him.Tatiana Klinares, NBA social media content creator
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Jokić's relationship with the American media, but when Serbian journalists arrive…

I think he has a very business-like approach when it comes to the media and post-game statements. Personally, I think he shows a lot of emotion on the court, with his teammates, and when talking to his coaches. He shows a lot of emotion, but I believe that when it comes to official interviews, he's aware that those interviews will live on for years, forever, so he's more cautious and reserved. He has that business approach to things, which is completely fair and is exactly what we love about him – on the court, he shows all that emotion and incredible stats, and then he comes off the court, goes to a press conference, and is like, "Yeah, that's it, that's my job." As if it's the most normal thing in the world that he just got a triple-double, and the man just made history! I think the way he presents himself to the media is perfect; it's part of his personality and his basketball persona. By the way, his relationship with the American media is very good, and everyone who interviews him respects him immensely. But, I do notice that his face literally lights up when he sees a Serbian journalist and hears his name pronounced correctly. That's when he knows it's "one of his own," and that's always nice to see.Tatiana Klinares, NBA social media content creator

The Joker "behind the curtain"

As Tatiana says, the Jokić family is the most wonderful family she has ever met:

He is the most normal person in the world! The most normal person ever. He's very humble, sweet, and kind. And it's not just him; his whole family is like that. His wife – my God, she is the most wonderful person. You can have a normal chat with them like with any other people. I'll never forget the first time I saw him, he was eating pizza. He was minding his own business, enjoying his pizza, and looking around while a crowd of people was around him. He just continued being himself. He's just a regular guy. I think in his mind, he loves those simple things. He's completely natural, very calm, no fuss. He doesn't give off a star vibe at all, and neither does his family. It's incredible, and I'm so happy he lives in my city and plays for my team.Tatiana Klinares, NBA social media content creator
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When you live in the same city, you might often run into Serbia's best basketball player in your local park, which sounds too good to be true…

I think he just enjoys being able to live a low-key life in Denver. He has his spots that he goes to, and people respect that. That's a really nice thing about him. He's humble and quiet. He doesn't do anything crazy or try to stand out at all costs. He's like a king here, highly respected, and we want it to stay that way. He often spends time in the park with his family, which is beautiful for us to see. When we see him, of course, we respect that and don't bother him. He's a real family man, and that's what I can share, because that's how we mostly see him off the court.Tatiana Klinares, NBA social media content creator

The MVP Race: The media is currently pushing Luka and Shai

This season has been very challenging for Nikola, making it highly questionable whether he will receive his fourth MVP award. The American media is paying the most attention to Luka Dončić (which also suits Serbians), but here's the scenario that seems to be unfolding:

I think Nikola deserves it, you know? I think he always deserves it because he's incredible and always gives 110 percent. But, knowing the American media, I don't think they'll give it to him this year. They're promoting Oklahoma and the Lakers more. Right now, it's a dead heat between Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. I think it will be one of those two, even though Jokić deserves it. The man is constantly putting up insane numbers, triple-doubles, making history... Since we're near the end of the season and that MVP decision, I think they're pushing Luka and Shai too much right now. Jokić deserves it, but I'm afraid they won't give it to him this year. But you know what? He can win the Finals MVP if we get there! That would be phenomenal.Tatiana Klinares, NBA social media content creator
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Nikola Jokić's season has taken a different course than we're used to, primarily due to an injury that slowed him down. However, upon his return to the court, our basketball player is once again delivering historic performances and has never been closer to the top of the all-time triple-double list:

I was devastated when he got injured. When I saw it, I couldn't even think about the rest of the game. I didn't care if the Nuggets won; the only thing that mattered was that Nikola was okay and healthy. His reaction itself scared me because I'd never seen him react like that. I had a very strong reaction on Twitter, I was writing all sorts of things in that moment, it was pure emotion. But I think he's coming back. These last two games, he looks completely different. It took him time to be his old self again, because it's natural to be a little scared and cautious after an injury. These last few games are like night and day. He's back to his old self from before the injury. I even posted something like: "Thank God, the dark days are over, no more fear." He's hitting his form at the perfect time, because the playoffs are just around the corner.Tatiana Klinares, NBA social media content creator

America is buzzing about Serbian athletes

You also shared a post from Novak Djokovic on social media…

Absolutely. I love anyone who is at the top of their game. And you know what, Serbia produces some of the best athletes in the world. That's a fact. I love these athletes and I follow them. It just so happens that they are both Serbian, but I just love and support it, I love the competitive spirit. Novak is wonderful, too.Tatiana Klinares, NBA social media content creator
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The American freelancer hopes that Jokić will finish his career in Denver:

I will always support Nikola Jokić wherever he goes. If he goes. Though I don't even want to say it out loud, I don't think he will leave. I believe he's happy here. I hope he signs a contract until he retires and stays with the Nuggets until the end, because it would be a completely different team without him.Tatiana Klinares, NBA social media content creator

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