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There are always stories about how all – time greats love the game and how much they train, and how competitive they are, but not for Jokic.

I understand his language and he openly talks in interviews how there are nights when he doesn't even want to play basketball game, but he does because it is his job. And that he loves horses(racing) more than basketball.

He doesn't miss practices and he maintains a good diet, and that's it. Nothing extraordinary.

That makes his achievements even more great, he did it with an approach of a pizza deliver guy who just wants to keep his job.

Don't assume that talk = actual work.

He clearly has put in immense amounts of work, he's not some huge athletic marvel that gets by on his size or speed alone.

I feel like Jokic is a prime example of a guy that you can't label based off his words and actions. You label him on his body of work and the results that provides him. I also feel like the crazy work ethic/obsessed drive is something culminated in American "hustle culture". I'm sure foreigners have those same sentiments when it comes to caring about their craft, but I like to think a bit of the public hustle and dedication is manufactured for a guys story.

Part of Spurs culture for years was focusing on well rounded people rather than obsessed hoopers

Creates a better locker room and more stable environment

Do you watch this guy play? He wears his heart on his sleeve every night. Of course he loves basketball.

There are times when I look at him and don't believe he can actually dunk a basketball. The fact he does what he does seems to be a pretty good indication that he works his ass off.

Jokic has the Paul Pierce “never been in a weight room “ body. Of course the guy has work ethic. You don’t get as good or skilled as him without putting in work.

Good. There is no need for these narratives anyway.

Feels like the practice time required to refine the basketball skills Jokic possesses would exceed a normal human lifetime. So while it would be an amazing story if Jokic just woke up one day with those skills, I'ma presume he actually put in the work to develop them

probably why he cant put a real postseason run together outside a rested bubble

Pointgod wrote:Jokic has the Paul Pierce “never been in a weight room “ body. Of course the guy has work ethic. You don’t get as good or skilled as him without putting in work.

You do realize that Jokic wears rib pads and has been skinny for the last couple of years don't you?

He doesn't give headline responses in interviews, isn't demonstrative on the court, and he doesn't have jump out of the gym athleticism.

Those guys don't get that kind of narrative unless they win one or two championships, then they get it. And then the media talks about how understated their obvious drive and work ethic is.

There was a thread not that long ago after the Philly trade showing Harden doing some cardio work after laying an egg in a game.
Fans used it to argue about his great work ethic Point is, what players say or show in workout videos are not representative of their dedication and hard work. It's just PR.

KembaWalker wrote:probably why he cant put a real postseason run together outside a rested bubble

Couldn't be that his teammates have let him down, it is jokic's fault they have only made 1 conference finals.

That will 100% be the narrative if/when he starts declining.

But that's certainly not the case right now.

If Jokic wasn't working hard all the time than he would not have the noticable improvements every year. Even the guys who claim to work hard all the time usually only put 2-3 hours a day into the gym, while Jokic is well known for working out for an hour or more every night after each game. If during the summer he wants to take the other 21 hours a day and take care of his horses there is nothing wrong with that, in fact it may be a big reason that he is one of the strongest players in the league. Taking care of livestock is hard physical work that builds real muscle.

The Rebel wrote:

KembaWalker wrote:probably why he cant put a real postseason run together outside a rested bubble

Couldn't be that his teammates have let him down, it is jokic's fault they have only made 1 conference finals.

oh right the pity thing.
poor guy cant get a lick of help

KembaWalker wrote:probably why he cant put a real postseason run together outside a rested bubble

Come on dude, really?

KembaWalker wrote:probably why he cant put a real postseason run together outside a rested bubble

Name one postseason where he underachieved I will wait.

KembaWalker wrote:

The Rebel wrote:

KembaWalker wrote:probably why he cant put a real postseason run together outside a rested bubble

Couldn't be that his teammates have let him down, it is jokic's fault they have only made 1 conference finals.

oh right the pity thing.
poor guy cant get a lick of help

Right because missing 2-3 starters and a couple of bench guys every year doesn't get anybody a pass, oh wait it just doesn't get Jokic a pass everybody else gets one.


If you think I am joking about the injury issues go do your research, the one time the Nuggets were missing only 1 starter by the end of the 1st round also happens to be the year they went to the conference finals. Every other year they are missing at least 2 starters and 1 bench guy.