The Joker and the Rebellion Against Water, Gym, and Regular Sleep

Nikola Jokić, the NBA’s most unbothered superstar, has once again left fans—and probably a few sports scientists—laughing with his dry, brutally honest response about his offseason preparation. While most NBA players flood social media with images of intense gym sessions, cryotherapy, and spinach smoothies, Jokić casually flipped the script during a recent interview.

When asked what he’s doing to stay mentally and physically prepared for the upcoming NBA season, the Denver Nuggets big man listed off what sounded like the perfect wellness plan:

“Healthy sleep, 2 liters of water a day, no alcohol or cigarettes, proper nutrition, regular workouts, cold showers — that’s exactly what I’m absolutely not interested in.”
— Nikola Jokić

And just like that, Nikola Jokić reminded the world that he’s different.

The Most Reluctant Superstar in NBA History

This quote isn’t just funny—it’s peak Jokić. Known for his low-maintenance lifestyle, Jokić has never conformed to the typical image of a modern NBA star. He’s not about flashy Instagram workouts, celebrity appearances, or ultra-serious brand-building. Instead, he’s about horses, family, and basketball, in that order.

The Serbian center has often admitted that he doesn’t like the spotlight. He’s even confessed that he’d rather be racing his horses back home in Sombor, Serbia, than attending NBA red carpet events. This attitude has only endeared him more to fans, who see in him something rare: authenticity.

The Irony Behind the Joke

The best part of Jokić’s quote? It’s hilarious because it’s half true—but also not.

Despite downplaying his offseason habits, Jokić consistently returns to the NBA in elite shape. His transformation from the early “dad bod” days of his rookie year to the lean, dominant MVP we’ve seen in recent seasons didn’t happen by accident. While he may not live in the gym like some of his peers, his approach is more balanced, more old-school, and clearly very effective.

He’s a player who doesn’t chase aesthetics—he chases efficiency. His game is built on fundamentals, IQ, footwork, and vision, not brute force or six-pack abs. And honestly? It’s working better than almost anyone else’s formula in the league right now.

Offseason Life: Horses > Hot Yoga

If you follow Jokić’s offseason adventures, you already know he’s more likely to be spotted at a horse track in Serbia than in an NBA training facility. He’s passionate about horse racing and owns several horses, often spending his summers attending events and races. It’s both a hobby and a way to unwind from the intensity of the NBA grind.

But don’t let the leisure fool you. Jokić is also known to sneak in private workouts, maintain solid conditioning, and take care of his body—he just doesn’t advertise it like others. He doesn’t pretend to be a monk, nor does he chase an image. He’s just Nikola, and that realness has become part of his legendary appeal.

An Anti-Influencer in the Age of Optics

In today’s sports culture, where every protein shake and treadmill run is content for social media, Jokić is the anti-influencer. His humor-laced quote reflects not laziness but an intentional separation from the performative side of athlete culture. He’s never tried to impress fans by pretending to be what he’s not. That irony—that one of the most dominant players of this era isn’t interested in fitting the mold—is what makes his story even more compelling.

What Really Keeps Him Ready?

So, if he’s not following the perfect routine, what does keep Jokić prepared?

1. Consistency in Training (When It Matters) – Jokić doesn’t overtrain in the offseason, but he knows exactly when to dial it in. He begins serious prep in the weeks leading up to training camp.

2. Mental Rest – He fully disengages from basketball to mentally reset, which may be even more valuable than relentless physical preparation.

3. Natural Talent and Basketball IQ – Jokić’s game isn’t built on athleticism, so he doesn’t need to maintain peak explosiveness. His IQ and feel for the game never take a vacation.

4. Zero Ego – His ego doesn’t drive him to “win the offseason.” That humility likely contributes to a healthier mindset heading into each new year.

Fans React: “Classic Jokić”

NBA fans online couldn’t get enough of the quote, flooding social media with memes, gifs, and comments like:

• “Nikola Jokić is living proof you don’t need a 5 a.m. routine to dominate.”

• “Meanwhile, he’ll still average a triple-double in his sleep.”

• “Jokić: The man, the myth, the minimalist.”

Some fans even jokingly said they were adopting the “Jokić method” for their own wellness plans—although it’s safe to say it only works if you’re a 7-foot unicorn with the vision of a point guard and the footwork of a ballet dancer.

Conclusion: Jokić Is Just Built Different

Nikola Jokić’s offseason “routine” is less about what he says and more about what he embodies—a grounded, self-aware, wildly gifted individual who doesn’t need the spotlight to shine. His quote may have been tongue-in-cheek, but it perfectly captures his personality: effortlessly honest, hilariously self-deprecating, and quietly confident.

In a league full of noise, Jokić stands out simply by being himself. And when October rolls around, don’t be surprised when the man who’s “absolutely not interested” in wellness routines casually drops 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists—again.

Because Nikola Jokić doesn’t need cold showers to be cool.