Nuggets Star Reveals Details of Serbia Trip With Nikola Jokic

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Denver Nuggets star Aaron Gordon visited Nikola Jokic is Serbia this summer, and recently spoke on this trip with ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.
"His routine over there, his way of life, very congruent," Gordon said. "I could see his peace. The peace of mind translates onto the court. That's what makes him such a good player."
While fans only saw Jokic's party videos, Gordon said the Finals MVP works out incredibly hard in Serbia, adding, "He's the best player in the world, He works out like a monster. ... His regimen, his diet and how detail-oriented he is with his body, is second to none."
Because of Jokic's work ethic and play style, Gordon also told ESPN, "He's only 28. So he's going to get even smarter at manipulating the defense [and] offense. ... I don't see anybody stopping him. They still haven't found the answer for him yet."
Jokic's play on the court certainly leaves no questions about his ability, but his reserved and perceivably disinterested persona may lead some to believe he doesn't attack his work the same way other stars do. Having seen him up close both during the regular season and offseason, Gordon wants people to know that's not true. Revealing how hard Jokic works in Serbia, Gordon shared with ESPN why Jokic is as great as he is.
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Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.