Nikola Jokić Laments He's "Not Blessed with Genes for Horse Racing"

Following a historic 61-point triple-double performance that left analysts speechless and defenders dumbfounded, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić used his postgame interview to reflect not on basketball glory — but on his dream deferred: becoming a professional horse jockey.

"Basketball is okay, if you're into that sort of thing," Jokić told reporters, still dripping in sweat. "But every time I step on the court, I’m just reminded I’m too tall, too heavy, for the ponies." He paused, looking wistfully into the middle distance. "Growing up, I dreamed I was 4'11", 115 pounds — the ideal size for horse racing."

Jokić, who owns several racehorses and regularly spends his summers in Serbia training them, has long harbored aspirations of becoming a harness racing icon. "Sometimes, late at night, I sit in the stable and whisper to the horses," he said solemnly. "I say, ‘It should be me out there, buddy. Not Chad with the goggles and a protein bar.’” When asked if he’d consider racing a Clydesdale to level the playing field, Jokić responded, “No. That would be disrespectful to the Clydesdale.”