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Nikola Jokic Was in Disbelief of Victor Wembanyama’s Pregame Ritual in Locker Room

The Joker couldn't believe it.
Michael Kadlick|
The Joker couldn't believe it.
The Joker couldn't believe it. | Screenshot via @NBA on X

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As NBA All-Star centers Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama got to know one another ahead of teaming up on "Chuck's Global Stars" for Sunday night's tournament, Wemby unpacked his belongings—and Jokić couldn't believe what he saw.

The 7' 3" phenom apparently reads before every single game.

"You really brought a book?" the two-time NBA MVP in Jokic asked Wembanyama in disbelief.

"Yeah!" he exclaimed. "I read before every game."

Here's video of the hilarious interaction, courtesy of the NBA:

Jokić's reaction, as he hung his head in his hand, says it all.

The two will be joined by—among others—Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Karl-Anthony Towns on "Chuck's Global Stars" as they take on "Kenny's Young Stars" in Game 1 of the All-Star Game tournament. The winner will go on to play the winner of Game 2's "Shaq's OG's" and "Candace's Rising Stars" in the final.

The tournament begins at 8:00 p.m. EST and airs on TNT.

More on the 2025 NBA All-Star Game

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Mike Kadlick
MICHAEL KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is an NFL writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.

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