Nikola Jokic's transformation from a somewhat overweight prospect to a two-time MVP and NBA champion contender is a compelling narrative of dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of self-improvement. This article explores Jokic's weight loss journey, its impact on his game, and how it contributed to his evolution into one of the most dominant and unique players in basketball history.
The Initial Concerns
When Nikola Jokic first arrived in Denver after being drafted 41st overall in 2014, the Nuggets organization had some reservations. He was overweight, his athleticism appeared limited, and some questioned his work ethic. At the time, Jokic weighed around 300 pounds and didn't exactly look NBA-ready. Nuggets assistant coach Ognjen Stojakovic initially hoped Jokic could develop into a blend of Dirk Nowitzki and Marc Gasol.
"He came back a little heavier than what we would've liked," Nuggets strength and conditioning coach Felipe Eichenberger told FOX Sports. "The GM [Tim Connelly] was talking like, 'What's going on? We've got to change this.'"
The Turning Point: A Suggestion and a Plan
For years, Jokic had been told by coaches, executives, and media personalities that he needed to get in better shape to succeed in the NBA. However, the real turning point came from within. In the winter of 2019, Jokic started talking with his friend and training coach, Felipe Eichenberger, about getting in better shape. He would even joke about wanting to look like a bodybuilder someday. He also mentioned that his knees or back hurt after games and wondered if losing weight might help.
Eichenberger seized the opportunity. During a long car ride to the airport, he told Jokic, "You can be MVP in this league." Jokic, who had just been named to his first All-Star team, was taken aback. He was not expecting that kind of talk. "He got mad at me," Eichenberger says, laughing at the memory. "He got pretty heated. He's like, 'That's not the player I am. I pass more than I score.'"
Read also: NBA Dominance Through Diet
Knowing that Jokic was willing to work, Eichenberger laid out a plan for him to transform his body. The focus was on the work itself, rather than the abstract idea of being an MVP. Jokic thought about it and finally said, "OK. Let's do it."
The Transformation Begins: Diet and Discipline
Jokic and Eichenberger implemented a rigorous routine. After every game, regardless of how many minutes he played, Jokic would lift weights. He also overhauled his diet, cutting out as many indulgences as possible. This meant no soda, no beer, and no snacks while playing video games. Exceptions were made for orange juice and the occasional bite of his mother's cooking when she visited from Serbia.
"We had him eating every three hours every day, small amounts, six meals every day," Eichenberger said. "But once he gets something in his head," Eichenberger adds, "that's how it's going to be."
Over the rest of the 2018-19 season, Jokic adhered to this routine religiously, even lifting after playing 64 minutes in a four-overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series.
The Impact of Weight Loss: A New Level of Performance
By the time Jokic returned to training camp in the fall of 2019, the change in his physique was striking. He was leaner and stronger, having lost 20 to 30 pounds while gaining muscle. The effect of this transformation was immediately apparent on the court.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
"He lost 10 pounds, and he's like, 'It feels good.' He lost 20 pounds, and he's like, 'Wow. I can dunk now?'" Eichenberger said. "He lost 30 pounds. Like, 'Wow. I can really sprint.'"
With his new body, Jokic's game reached a new level. In 2020, he led the Nuggets to the Western Conference finals. The next two years, Jokic won back-to-back MVP awards.
The Mental Shift: From Self-Doubt to Unstoppable Drive
The physical transformation was accompanied by a significant mental shift. Jokic, who had always been somewhat self-conscious and unassuming, began to embrace the challenge of becoming the best player he could be.
After the Nuggets' devastating loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 7 of the 2019 Western Conference semifinals, Jokic told his coaches that he would never let that happen again. He felt he had worn down in the second half of the series and that he needed to get in even better shape.
"I mean, he gave everything he had possible," Adelman said. "But then I think he, in his mind, thought, 'Maybe I can give more. Maybe if I get in even better shape. Maybe if I do this.'"
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
The "Skinny Joker" and the Lakers
The leaner Jokic sparked debates about whether the weight loss would make him meaner on the court. The Lakers, with Anthony Davis and LeBron James, were the benchmark. Would Jokic's weight loss give him an edge against these formidable opponents? Some argued that he could be quicker, with greater endurance and even increased strength.
The Pandemic Transformation: The Viral Photos
During the four-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jokic continued to train and eat healthily. Photos of him taken at a gym in Serbia went viral on social media, showcasing his remarkable transformation.
Former teammate Jameer Nelson texted Jokic immediately after seeing the photos. "When you do something like that, you deliver a message to your teammates," Nelson told ESPN. "When you do something for your body or your mind like he did, the way he did it, everybody gets stronger."
The Complete Player: A Combination of Skill and Conditioning
Jokic's transformation wasn't just about weight loss; it was about becoming a complete player. He honed his skills, refined his technique, and developed an unparalleled understanding of the game.
"He's an ultra-conditioned athlete now," Malone said after the Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference finals. "The guy can play for minutes on top of minutes and play at a high level."
Stojakovic added, "He's not very fast, but he's very fast because he anticipates situations. That makes him fast."
Jokic became a sponge, quickly absorbing everything his coaches taught him. He expanded his mid-range and perimeter game, tweaked his shot, perfected his footwork, and studied angles.
Still Humble: The Essence of Jokic
Despite all the accolades and recognition, Jokic has remained remarkably humble. He doesn't bask in the attention or crave the spotlight. He deleted all his social media accounts years ago and prefers to focus on the game itself.
"Maybe someone should actually start to address that, like, being humble is a virtue," Nuggets assistant coach Ognjen Stojakovic told ESPN. "That it's OK to be humble, be a hard worker, be a good person."
When asked about his incredible performance in Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Finals, where he recorded the first 30-point, 20-rebound, and 10-assist game in Finals history, Jokic simply said, "I don't care. It's just a stat."