Many discussions surrounding the success of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić emphasize his resistance to conforming to typical star-making methods. In February, Louisa Thomas from The New Yorker highlighted Jokić as “certainly the least famous” among the prominent figures in the NBA post-Michael Jordan era.
Nevertheless, even those who shy away from Hollywood glamour couldn’t resist the charm of Mr. Gru.
In what seemed to be a promotional effort for Despicable Me 4, Jokić appeared dressed as the animated supervillain voiced by Steve Carell before Game 1 of the Nuggets’ playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday evening. Complete with a black-and-gray striped scarf, Jokić fully embodied the character.
This playful stunt came after the release of a teaser for the upcoming film, where Jokić humorously seeks therapy to cope with being compared to Gru. Eventually, he exclaims to the Despicable Me minions, “I’m not your boss,” in frustration.
Considering Jokić’s extraordinary performances on the basketball court, one might wonder: could he pull off stealing the moon as well?