The Exchange
ESPN’s Malika Andrews posed the question directly:“There’s a lot of people who say, ‘well how much does he care?'”
Jokic’s response was immediate and unequivocal:“I care a lot. … I think if you don’t care for winning you’re not supposed to be in this sport.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
If caring is measured in production, Jokic’s 2025-26 season speaks for itself.
Those are MVP numbers. Again.
The Track Record
Jokic has already proven he cares where it matters most. He led the Nuggets to the franchise’s first NBA championship in 2023, earning Finals MVP along the way. He’s a three-time NBA MVP. He’s a six-time All-Star.
This isn’t a player who coasts. This is a player who makes greatness look effortless—and gets penalized for it by observers who confuse style with substance.
The Season Ahead
Denver sits at 35-20, third in the Western Conference. They trail the Spurs by 3.5 games and the Thunder by 6.5. After the All-Star break, they face a three-game road trip against the Clippers, Trail Blazers, and Warriors.
Jokic will be there, doing what he always does: making winning look easy while caring more than anyone realizes.
The Bottom Line
Nikola Jokic doesn’t need to convince anyone of his commitment. His resume does that work for him.
But for those still wondering: yes, he cares. He cares a lot.