Nikola Jokić Wants to Skip the Denver Nuggets' Victory Parade and Go Home Already

Congratulations are in order for the Denver Nuggets after they triumphed over the Miami Heat last night in the 2023 NBA Finals. Star center Nikola Jokić led his team to victory in Game 5 in a stunning journey to the crown throughout the season. But after everything was said and done, all the star center wanted to do was unwind in his native Serbia.

Moments after the Nuggets clinched the title, Jokić was asked how it feels to be an NBA champion. His response was short and sweet: "The job is done. We can go home now."

There's just one problem standing in the way of Jokić's return to his hometown of Sombor, Serbia. On June 15, the Nuggets will celebrate their win with a parade in downtown Denver, as is customary for every NBA champion as they come home with a trophy. The Joker, needless to say, was less than enthused when he found out he had to stay for the festivities.

"No," he said, burying his face in his hands after learning at a post-game press conference that the parade was scheduled for later this week. "I have to go home."

Winning an NBA title would exhaust anyone, so it's no surprise that Jokić is ready to hit the road and get to relaxing. He's got some pretty important priorities to get back to in Sombor—namely, his weekly equestrian activities. "On Sundays, I have my horse racing," he stated plainly to interviewers after the game.

It's safe to say the 28-year-old hooper deserves some time off with his four-legged friends, but skipping the victory lap is certainly an unorthodox move.