Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins offered a rare look into the mindset of Nikola Jokic, calling out the three-time MVP’s laid-back attitude toward the game despite his dominance.
Appearing on the Straight Game Podcast, Cousins described his former Denver Nuggets teammate as “a bad boy” whose disinterest in basketball only adds to how dangerous he is on the court.
“The part that makes me love Jokic as much as I do is more so his personality,” Cousins said. “He just tells you a little bit about himself… he’ll let you know how he really don’t give a f— about this sh—.”
Jokic, now a seven-time All-Star, just wrapped up another historic season in Denver, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game.
Yet according to Cousins, the Serbian center often performs without even wanting to be there.
“It’s most games where he’s dropping one of these crazy stats, he probably doesn’t even want to be there,” Cousins said. “That’s the scary part about all of it.”
Cousins also recalled a moment in the Nuggets locker room when Jokic casually hinted at walking away from the game despite the massive financial stakes involved.
“He’s like, ‘Cuz, honestly, I think I might retire after this contract,’” Cousins said. “I said, ‘Leave $300 million on the table?! You out your motherf—ing mind!’”
Jokic reportedly told Cousins he would rather relax in his native Serbia than chase more NBA accolades.
“He’s like, ‘I just want to lay in my valley… with my horses.’”
Since joining the Nuggets in 2015, Jokic has built a Hall-of-Fame résumé, including a championship and Finals MVP in 2023.
He has averaged a triple-double in back-to-back seasons and leads all active players in playoff triple-doubles.
Despite his consistent dominance, Jokic’s aversion to fame and celebrity remains unchanged. His offseasons are often spent in Sombor, Serbia, tending to horses, racing trotting carts, and staying away from media appearances.
