Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets superstar and three-time NBA MVP, has had one of the most improbable journeys to basketball stardom. But despite his immense success, Jokic hasn’t forgotten a moment from his 2014 draft that still sticks with him.
In a lighthearted interview with the Nuggets’ social media team, Jokic opened up about an infamous moment from his draft night. As a late second-round pick, Jokic wasn’t exactly a highly sought-after prospect. To make matters worse, his selection was announced during a Taco Bell commercial on ESPN.
“It was in the middle of a Taco Bell commercial. I think I’ve never had Taco Bell just because of that,” Jokic said with a chuckle, via Matt Yoder of Awful Announcing. Despite the humorous remark, the moment clearly left an impression on the Serbian center, who went from an under-the-radar pick to one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Jokic, now 30 years old, is having another phenomenal season. He’s averaging 29.4 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists in 36 minutes per game, continuing to dominate both ends of the floor. But back in 2014, his path to becoming a star seemed unlikely, as he was selected with the 41st overall pick by the Nuggets—far from the fanfare that accompanies a top draft pick.
Despite the inauspicious start to his NBA journey, Jokic quickly proved his doubters wrong. His unique combination of size, vision, and basketball IQ helped him develop into a player who redefined the center position. Now, as a three-time MVP, Jokic’s story is a testament to perseverance, but it hasn’t erased the memory of the Taco Bell draft night.
While Jokic’s career is filled with accolades, including leading the Nuggets to the 2023 NBA Finals, he hasn’t had the desire to try Taco Bell—even after all these years.
Though the event has become a humorous anecdote for Jokic, it also highlights the often-overlooked challenges faced by players who are not instantly recognized as future stars. Jokic’s draft experience serves as a reminder that greatness doesn’t always come with a spotlight, and sometimes, the most memorable moments come from unexpected places.
