SI

Nikola Jokic Had Perfectly On-Brand Response to Turning 30 Years Old

A very relatable answer from The Joker.

Mike Kadlick

Jokic notched three NBA MVP awards before turning 30.
Jokic notched three NBA MVP awards before turning 30. / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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Despite being a three-time NBA MVP, a seven-time All-Star, a four-time All-NBA first-teamer, and an NBA champion—Nikola Jokic is just like all of us.

The 6'11" all-world center from Serbia turned 30 years old on Wednesday and, despite being gleefully sung to by his teammates, didn't sound thrilled about the milestone when asked what he going to do to celebrate.

"Nothing," Jokic responded with a serious face. "I don't like my birthday."

"Why not?" followed up a reporter.

"I'm getting older."

Relatable.

Despite entering his third decade of life, Jokic is putting together a career season in 2024-25. He's averaging a triple-double (29.8 ppg, 12.6 rpg, and 10.2 apg) through 55 games and has Denver at 36-19 through the All-Star break.

The Nuggets return to the court on Thursday night at 9:00 pm. EST as they're set to take on the Charlotte Hornets from Denver's Ball Arena.

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Mike Kadlick
MIKE KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is a contributor to the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Before joining SI in November 2024, he covered the New England Patriots for WEEI sports radio in Boston and continues to do so for CLNS Media. He has a master's in public relations from Boston University. Kadlick is also an avid runner and a proud lover of all things pizza.

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