Denver Nuggets assistant coach Ogi Stojakovic believes Nikola Jokic’s passion for horses even surpasses his love for basketball. He calls it the three-time NBA MVP’s “first love” after witnessing the big man’s devotion to animals during their years together.
Jokic’s deep care for horses is well documented and often discussed. He decorates his locker at Ball Arena with photos of horses and ribbons from various competitions, a daily reminder of what matters most to him.
Stojakovic has known Jokic for years, thanks to their shared history in Serbia. He sees how Jokic is attracted to the nobility of a horse and takes great pride in caring for the animals.
“Honestly,” Stojakovic said. “I think this is his first love.”
That devotion became public this summer when Jokic openly wept after his horse, Demon Dell’Est, won a harness racing event in Serbia. The emotional display was in stark contrast to his subdued reaction to winning the 2023 NBA championship.
Jokic purchased his first racehorse, Dream Catcher, after his rookie season in 2016. He now owns six horses at his racing farm in Sombor, Serbia.
“When you are young and swallow the horsehair, you can’t stop loving them,” Jokic told The Athletic, citing a Serbian saying. “What I like about them is how they run, how they behave, how they rest, how they smell.”
Teammates have witnessed horses give Jokic an escape from the NBA spotlight. Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon said the animals bring a level of peace to Jokic that is invaluable.
“I think he appreciates how beautiful they are,” Gordon said. “There’s something majestic, and there’s something very genuine and pure about horses in general.”
Jokic employs childhood friends to train his horses at home, maintaining ties with his roots. The people of Sombor still see him as the stable boy he was at the age of 13.
“They don’t consider me an NBA player,” Jokic said. “I have one of my friends who still trains my horses at home. He still sees me as a stable boy.”
Bruce Brown noted that Jokic sometimes shows more emotion during races than during games, revealing where his true passion lies.
“I follow horses every day,” Jokic said. “It’s a great way to stay off the basketball court, and you’re with friends who don’t care who you are.”
When visitors search for Jokic in Serbia, they know exactly where to look.
“Nikola is usually in his stable with horses,” Stojakovic said. “He feels happy, satisfied and fulfilled there.”
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