Nikola Jokic does not believe professional athletes should automatically be viewed as role models simply because of their fame and success.
During an interview with Mile Ilic on the Jao Mile Podcast, the Denver Nuggets star argued that family and friends have a much greater influence on young people than public figures.
“Some people might not like it, but I don’t think they should be looking up to me. I’ve had both good and bad examples, but somehow I always knew deep down what was right, like, if I went outside at sixteen [years of age], I wouldn’t get drunk,” Jokic started.
“I don’t know if a public figure can really influence kids; that role belongs to friends and family. I don’t think I have that much influence on young people; people tell me, ‘They look up to you.’ Well, they shouldn’t, I didn’t look up to others either. I disagree with people on this, even if my opinion might not be popular.”
Despite that position, Jokic acknowledged that several veteran teammates provided important examples when he was beginning his NBA career in Denver.
“When I arrived in Denver, I had Wilson Chandler and Jameer Nelson. Mike Miller was there too, though he was getting on in years. I often think of them; we even have a group chat and stay in touch. They were at the gym every single day; their mindset was simply, ‘I’m going to show up and get some work done.'”
Jokic said he learned from their professionalism before eventually developing his own approach.
“I had really good role models, I just copied them. I didn’t have to be a genius. Over the years, you develop your own routine and find what works for you.”
