Jonas Valančiūnas Details Nikola Jokić's Impressive Work Ethic
Nikola Jokić's laid-back personality and love for life away from basketball have helped create the perception that his success comes naturally.
Fans often see the Denver Nuggets superstar spending time with his horses in Serbia or enjoying his offseason away from the spotlight, leading many to believe his dominance is fueled almost entirely by talent.
According to new Nuggets teammate Jonas Valančiūnas, that perception couldn't be further from the truth.
Speaking on the BasketNews Off the Record podcast, Valančiūnas described Jokić as the hardest-working player he has seen in his 14-year professional career.
The veteran center said the public often forms opinions based on isolated moments, such as seeing Jokić enjoying a beer or spending time away from basketball, without realizing how much work he puts in behind closed doors.
"Yeah, people see one photo, some appearance somewhere; maybe they spot a guy having a beer or doing something else, and it's very easy to form an opinion," Valančiūnas said. "But then there's the work that goes on behind the scenes. Jokić is a perfect example of that."
Nikola Jokic (15) shoots the ball over Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) in the second half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. The Work Ethic
Valančiūnas explained that Jokić's daily routine revolves around basketball throughout the season.
He said the three-time MVP regularly arrives at the practice facility early to get extra shots up before games and follows every game with a trip to the weight room, regardless of how many minutes he played. Even after logging heavy workloads, Jokić still completed the same postgame lifting routine as everyone else.
The veteran center also praised Jokić's commitment to recovery, recalling that the Nuggets star was often still receiving treatment long after most of his teammates had already left the arena.
According to Valančiūnas, Jokić would spend additional time getting massages and completing recovery work to ensure his body was ready for the next game.
Nikola Jokic (15) seats on the bench before the second half begins against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.What impressed Valančiūnas most was Jokić's consistency.
He said every part of the reigning MVP's routine is carefully planned, from his workouts to his recovery sessions, and that basketball consumes nearly all of his time during the season before he fully shifts his attention to family and hobbies once the offseason begins.
"The crazy part is that he's constantly working. During the season, it feels like he doesn't have a life outside of basketball," Valančiūnas said. "Work, work, work, work, work, work. Then summer comes and it's a completely different story."
Nikola Jokic (15) reacts in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Jokic MVP Numbers
Jokić's preparation has continued to produce historic results. During the 2025-26 season, he averaged 27.5 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.6 assists per game, becoming one of the few players in NBA history to average a triple-double over an entire season.
And also his second straight season averaging a triple-double.
Already a three-time NBA MVP, NBA champion and Finals MVP, Jokić has built a Hall of Fame résumé while redefining what a center can do offensively.
Although Denver's season ended with a first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Valančiūnas' comments offer a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication that fuels Jokić's greatness—showing that his dominance is driven as much by relentless preparation as by extraordinary talent.
