Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport
Not everyone spends the summer the same way. While some players are piling up workouts to prepare for the upcoming season, others prefer to slow things down—sometimes a bit too much. A recent video has sparked a wave of comments about Nikola Jokic.
Nikola Jokic is currently on vacation after an intense season that ended with a second-round exit against the Thunder. It’s perfectly normal for him to enjoy a break. But when he appeared in a video looking visibly out of shape, some Nuggets fans started to worry about his fitness level.
The three-time MVP has never been known for his impeccable physical condition—it’s even become something of a running joke in NBA circles. But after several dominant seasons, this perceived lack of discipline is starting to raise eyebrows. There’s growing concern that the Serbian star might show up to training camp out of shape, especially after such a frustrating end to the year.
Nikola Jokic sparks controversy over his physical form
Nikola Jokic is living his best life this summer 😅
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 14, 2025
(h/t @Eurohoopsnet)pic.twitter.com/IDjwYalNQ9
The comparisons to Luka Doncic were quick to follow. The Slovenian has often been criticized for his lack of physical discipline, notably during his early seasons when his weight was a topic of debate. Now, Jokic appears to be heading down a similar path—although it hasn’t visibly affected his performance yet. But how much longer can that last?
The reality is that Jokic isn’t like other athletes. His game relies less on explosiveness and more on technique and basketball IQ. He has already proven he can dominate without adhering to the physical standards expected of other stars. Still, every summer, the same question resurfaces with increasing urgency: how long can this approach keep working?
There’s no doubt Nikola Jokic will be under the microscope when the season starts. If Denver wants to return to the top, their franchise player will need to be at 100%—mentally and physically. And after this viral video, even the slightest dip in performance might be held against him.