The surprise of encountering a celebrity cameo on the early-morning bus didn’t diminish after the initial occurrence. If anything, it grew even more surprising for Christian Braun once he realized it was a recurring event rather than a one-time happening.

While optional shootarounds are labeled as such, they’re essentially mandatory for newer players like Braun, who emphasized that it’s expected for rookies and benchwarmers. However, starters, such as Nikola Jokic, have the freedom to skip these sessions if they prioritize rest. Despite this freedom, Jokic often joins the 8 a.m. bus to the gym for additional practice.

In Braun’s observation, Jokic, the reigning MVP, frequently attends these optional sessions, which is unexpected given his status and performance in previous games. Braun speculates about Jokic’s motivations, considering whether he sees imperfections that he wants to address or if he simply enjoys being on the court.

Jokic, who is on track to secure his third MVP award, has consistently downplayed the significance of the award, despite his undeniable talent and contributions to the Denver Nuggets. His demeanor, particularly his reserved nature, has led some to misconstrue his passion for basketball. However, his teammates insist that this perception is inaccurate, highlighting his genuine love for the game.

Reggie Jackson emphasizes that to truly appreciate Jokic’s greatness and passion for basketball, one should watch him play without any commentary, as his performance speaks volumes about his dedication and joy for the game.

For a deeper understanding of Jokic’s connection to basketball, it’s valuable to recognize the fundamental distinctions between American work-centric culture and European emphasis on work-life balance. During his time as a rising prospect with the Serbian club Mega Vizura, Jokic, according to his longtime friend Nenad Miljenovic, didn’t exhibit typical basketball fandom behaviors. However, he displayed a keen fascination with the sport. Despite not being recognized for his potential as a point center, Jokic experimented on the court, often surprising his teammates with unconventional moves.

Miljenovic notes that Jokic’s ability to innovate without extensive exposure to the game suggests an innate talent rather than learned behavior. Even without being a devout follower of basketball, Jokic showed a natural affinity for the sport.

Like his peers, Jokic would stay behind after practice, indulging in playful experimentation with the ball. This demonstrated his genuine affection for the game, even if it wasn’t necessarily structured skill development. However, upon transitioning to the NBA, Jokic realized the necessity of adopting a more comprehensive approach to basketball, encompassing physical fitness and a deeper understanding of the game.

The pressure and expectations that come with NBA success, including scrutiny over one’s words and actions, prompted Jokic to become more reserved. Despite this, his influence on the global basketball community remains significant, with young players in Denver admiring his discipline and commitment to the game.

Jokic’s occasional displays of enthusiasm, such as researching coaching seminars and discussing players like DJ Burns, underscore his genuine passion for basketball. However, he often reverts to his characteristic subdued demeanor.

Nuggets wing Peyton Watson and others emphasize that Jokic’s consistent success stems from hard work and dedication, debunking any notion that he achieves greatness through luck or indifference. Jokic’s commitment to basketball, despite the challenges of transitioning to a different culture, remains unwavering.

Upon arriving in Denver as a rookie, Braun discovered that he and Jokic shared the same player development coach, Ognjen “Ogi” Stojakovic, who is Serbian. Braun eagerly anticipated receiving advice from Jokic and emulating his approach to the game.

However, Braun soon realized that he needed to adjust to a new mindset.

“They approach basketball differently. Both Serbian. They prioritize perfect repetitions,” Braun explained. “I believe that’s why Nikola appears unfazed by defenders. He consistently releases the ball high. This way, regardless of who’s guarding you in a game, you’re accustomed to shooting over them in practice. It’s not something we were taught growing up. Whether it’s Rudy Gobert or a 7-footer, it’s the same technique.

“That’s why you’ll notice, whenever a defender like Gobert fails to block his shot, it’s because it’s released over the top. He strives for perfection in every repetition. They don’t focus on quantity, but on quality. In the U.S., it’s often about volume, like ‘Let’s shoot 2,000 shots.’ In contrast, there, it’s about shooting 200 shots perfectly.”