Why So Serious?: The Untold Story of NBA Champion Nikola Jokic – The Revealing Biography of the Best Basketball Player on the Planet

by Mike Singer

A revealing, intimate biography of basketball savant and enigmatic NBA superstar Nikola Jokic, filled with news-breaking interviews and deep reporting from Mike Singer, the Nuggets’ former beat writer for the Denver Post.

Why So Serious? takes readers on Nikola Jokic’s long, strange, and incredibly unlikely journey to becoming the heartbeat of the champion Denver Nuggets and the best basketball player on the planet. As he traces Jokic’s transformation from his humble beginnings in Sombor, Serbia, sports journalist Mike Singer captures the witty irreverence, unparalleled competitiveness, and slight mischievousness of the MVP fondly known as “The Joker.”

Behind his veiled public persona, who really is Nikola Jokic? Filled with exclusive, sure-to-be-headline-making interviews, including unique insights from Jokic himself, Why So Serious? delves deep into the soul of the mysterious center and reveals how the big man developed his relentless work ethic, exceptional court vision, and magical playing style that has redefined dominance in the NBA.

Genres: Sports, Basketball, Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, Memoir

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

Reviews

[Jeff Wait · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. Great journalism leads to an excellent narrative. Really honors how incredible Jokic is. Highly recommend for sports fans and those who enjoy biographies.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

NBA champion, MVP and pretty much unstoppable athlete always under control. His story basically chronicles his rise to the top of the game.

[Travis Stroup · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a Nuggets’ fan from before they were good, I have thoroughly enjoyed their recent success. I have enjoyed nothing about Denver more than Joker’s rise to dominance. His two man game with Murray, his elevation of every player around him, and his unselfish approach to basketball make him so easy to watch and support. The craziest thing about Nikola Jokic is he has managed to keep basketball from defining him. He is still the guy from Sombor who loves family first and horses second. I liked how Singer talked to so many people to get their perspective. Easy to enjoy if you are a Jokic fan or even a basketball fan.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a quiet, unassuming (albeit tall) Serbian man who loves horses to become a two-time NBA MVP and lead his team, the Denver Nuggets, to their first NBA championship in 2023, it takes a special story to make it believable. Denver writer Mike Singer does so in this terrific book about that player, Nikola Jokic.

The most striking feature about both the book and the subject is how humble he is, especially considering the success he has attained as an NBA player. That is clear from the beginning when Singer is writing about Jokic’s formative years. Believe it or not, basketball is not Jokic’s first love at that time – it was horses. He never lost that love even while developing into one of the best basketball players of his era – horses are still an important part of him, and they are included in some parts of the book throughout.

Another important aspect of Jokic to know is that he is very self-deprecating. Whether meant as humor or self-criticism, he not only does he speak like this but also very matter-of-factly. There are many instances of this throughout the book as well. It should also be noted that Jokic has never had what has been known as a basketball body and he was aware of that. The difference is that while he was an up-and-coming European player, he just let his skills and basketball smarts overcome any physical deficiencies. He paid more attention to his body once he reached the NBA and while he still will never be mistaken for better athletic bodies, his overall strength and endurance is much better.

Of course, there is plenty of basketball text in the book, both in Europe and the NBA. Since Jokic’s only professional team has been the Nuggets, the book chronicles the Nuggets’ seasons with Jokic quite well. There aren’t a lot of game summaries but instead the reader will get a feeling of the camaraderie of the Nuggets players, especially on how they interact with their all-NBA center. Because of all this and much more, this is a very enjoyable read for any basketball fan. One doesn’t have to be a Nuggets fan to enjoy this book.

[Jesse Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

was excited to read this, have been following the author’s excellent local coverage of the nuggets for a while. On one hand there is so much detail of each nba season in this book that i imagine only hardcore nba fans would enjoy it. but it also doesn’t add much that hardcore fans don’t already know. it was a nice trip down memory lane of the last 10 years of the nba, and there were some funny parts and cool behind the scenes moments, but overall just not sure who this book is really for. I finished it with generally the same impression of jokic as i had before reading it.

also the audiobook narrator doesn’t know basketball and mispronounces many star players names…who tf is steve curry

[Ryan Nugent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely insight into what makes Nikola Jokic the amazing player he is but also the authentic person he is.

[Milutin Vujicic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Katastrofalan prevod na srpski koji je delimično upropastio knjigu, pošto iako donekle mogu da oprostim "samoubistvo" (kamikaza) i "proširenu četvorku" (streč četvorku), stvarno ne mogu da pređem preko toga da se poluvreme zove - polovina. Razumem pritisak da knjiga što pre izađe na srpskom tržištu, ali je nedopustivo da bude ovako loše prevedena uz pomoć Chatgpt.

Nažalost, ni sama knjiga to nije uspela da izvuče jer je autor ponudio malo novih stvari, pre svega računajući na količinu informacija koja će to izvući, ma koliko te informacije bile nevažne. Nije uspeo to da sklopi u celinu.

[Carrie Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Nuggets?

Love Nikola Jokic?

No, but really? Then, why haven’t you read this book yet?

A true behind-the-scenes account of one of the best basketball players of all time (and he’s still getting better? What??), this biography will keep you entertained and informed as you read collected stories from all the key players in Jokic’s rise to stardom. Often told with quick scenes in first-person from an author who was able to bring to light some never shared before details of a very private superstar, this book will keep you laughing out loud and reading passages to your family so they can share in the fun.

Put this on your TBR shelf right now and then take it right back off and start reading.

[Emily Gean · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5! I had listened to a podcast where the author talked about this book/jokic in general. I enjoyed learning his story and about the nuggets as a whole. Was kind of a hater, but this book may have converted me. If you are really into basketball, this book also went through the nuggets seasons in depth.

Jokic seems like a really humble and genuine person who loves his family and friends more than just about anything. I loved all the little stories about people visiting his home town or going out with his brothers. His personality reminds me a lot of Nadal- they’re both extremely humble, grew up in small towns that they love, will do anything to not lose, and people around them respect them.

Also people who love their home towns>>>>

[Max D'onofrio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I spend way too much of my life thinking about Nikola Jokic, so I very much enjoyed taking the time to read a biography about him, even if it seemed a bit early for him to have one. I think I found the early parts of this book, which I didn't know as well about his life playing basketball in Serbia more interesting. But some of the anecdotes about his off court antics were also entertaining. The book is never too serious, but that makes it feel like you aren't getting an over dramatized retelling of the situation.

[Nikola Knezevic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book as fast Jokic devoured burgers early in his basketball career. It’s incredibly engaging and easy to digest, offering a fascinating look at an equally fascinating figure. While Jokić’s genius on the court is undeniable, the most compelling parts of the book explore his identity and character beyond basketball. It deepened my appreciation for him—not just as a player, but as a person—and made me even prouder to be Serbian because of what he represents.

[Gjorgi Georgiev · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has followed Nikola Jokić’s story since his early days in Serbia, I wasn’t sure how much new I’d learn here—but Mike Singer delivers a thorough, engaging, and detail-rich portrait of one of the most unique superstars in basketball. The little nuggets (pun intended) of insight into Joker's journey, personality, and approach to the game made this a joy to listen to. A must-read for anyone who appreciates not just his brilliance on the court, but the full story behind it.

[Suzy Stolwyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining read for anyone who’s intrigued by this peculiarly humble & downright hilarious MVP athlete. Jokic quotes often make me cackle, so I knew this would be an interesting read. I enjoyed learning more about his upbringing, values, work ethic, and perspective on fame. I wasn’t as interested in all the stats & game breakdowns, but I’m also not your average sports girlie. I took a huge break when reading it, but when I returned & neared the end, I was sad it was over!

[Dejan Vojnovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright and shiny 🎇

[Sarah Bramande · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Ajay Kapoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book for nuggets fans. Learned a lot about Jokic

[Zack Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why So Serious: The Untold Story of Nikola Jokić is a slam dunk of a read—laid-back and loaded with MVP-level detail. A must read for fans.

[Caitlin Hengst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved reading about what people who actually know Jokic think of him, I like him even more now!!

[Marcin Wichowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kocham tego gościa🏀🏆⛹️‍♂️

[Nedoteka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotivno 🥹🫶🏻

[dan snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the greatest written book ever but a must read for nuggets/jokic fans - so great.

[Shawn Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to make me love Nikola Jokić more than I already do but this book did it. A great human with great values
and an improbable story to basketball greatness.

[Matt Holsopple · Rating 5 out of 5]

A goat, a king, and a wonderful man. Jordan and LeBron ain’t shit when Jokic chooses to grace the Earth with his presence

[Mike Welch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Go Nuggets

[Blake Ritchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge Nuggets fan and I loved the book, but the audiobook narrator is atrocious at pronouncing names. I swear he called Steph “Steve Curry” a half dozen times.

[Jordan Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the thing that most defines Nikola Jokic as a person is just that he is indefatigably himself. Despite his meteoric rise from an unknown second round pick to one of the greatest players to step onto the hardcourt, he remains just a humble, goofy guy from Sombor, Serbia. Part of what's allowed him to remain this way is how fiercely protective he is of his privacy and his private life.

He's long since abandoned social media and he bristles at any questions the media has about his private life. He despises his lack of anonymity and shies away from the spotlight whenever possible. As such, despite my near-slavish devotion to my fandom of him I have known precious little about what really makes him tick.

His wear-it-on-his-sleeves personality has made making assumptions about those things relatively easy, it wasn't until this book that many of those assumptions were confirmed. Mike Singer tells Nikola's story about the only way one can tell the story of a person like Nikola, with honesty and without flash.

Nikola's story is unique in that he is a person who never really had the drive or desire for greatness, but instead had it thrust upon him. And while unique it's also a relatable story, one that shows someone grappling with their own destiny. Whether to work hard to achieve success or stay grounded in his happy place and risk wondering what could have been.

Like many of us Nikola never liked to work hard, but he always seemed to find people who saw the greatness in him and pushed him to be better. From coaches and teammates, to his godfather and overprotective brothers, Nikola always seemed to find people to push him to be better or maybe they found him.

In an NBA landscape where players are constantly worried about their image and their legacy, Nikola stands out as a beacon of humility and honesty. He is who he is and his life is complete whether the broader world likes that person or not. Singer brings to light anecdotes and nuances about Jokic that we would never hear otherwise and does so without even having to get Jokic to talk about himself, as we know he hates doing.

An absolute must read for any NBA fan or just anyone intrigued by a true underdog story about an unconvential personality and talent.

[Justin Genus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story that shows why biographers must interview their subjects. Jokic's enigmatic existence is peeled back in a pleasant, revealing narrative.

Proves that genius, while it almost certainly comes with eccentricities, does not require arrogance and licentiousness. Jokić is an endearing subject who masks an apparent killer instinct with a genuinely down to earth, self-effacing demeanor. NBA fans will be pleased to find a number of hilarious and insightful anecdotes about the most unexpected all-timer in recent league history. I was not as enthralled in this story as I was in those of Tiger Woods or Kobe Bryant, but that likely says more about my interest in controversy than the quality of narrative.

This book borderlines on worshipful and is self-serious at times (which is ironic because Jokić's persona is so antithetical to these attitudes). But while occasional criticism would have been nice to hear, I think the reality is that the Joker is actually the hero in this story!

The rare sports biography that left me happier when I finished it.

7/10

Plus, I learned more about the Balkans, which is a big deal to me.

PS. Sports audiobooks consistently are narrated by people who have no awareness of the subject matter.

Mispronouncing Giannis? That's fine, I guess. Rudy Gobur? That's funny! But "Steve" Curry? We gotta be better than that.

[Socraticgadfly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The biggest thing I learned about the Joker that I didn't already know was his (generally gentle) anti-authoritarianism. That's funny, because I checked this book out from my library two weeks ago, just before Michael Malone got shit-canned by the Nuggets, and one or two tidbits in here are Jokic butting heads with, or having some passive-aggressive anti-authoritarianism with, Malone.

Not a new thing, but a reinforcement and backing up of something I've known for some time? Jokic, beneath his jokes, is serious about basketball and serious about winning.

Kind of serious NBA fans who are a step above casuals with Jokic may learn a fair amount, but for those who know more, this won't be that revealing.

Also, the writing level? Dozens and dozens of two- and three-page chapters? More than one occasion of someone who's been referred to not just once, not just twice, but several times, 10 pages later being mentioned by full name as though they'd never appeared before. A mix of first-name usage and last-name usage on some references, too. In other words, the book is thin on overall content and also needed a better editor.

Not bad, but it's your typical modern 3-star sports book. And, it's not on my "biography" shelf because it's not really a biography.

[Matty Wolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography of Nikola Jokic is a deep dive into one of the most unique and captivating players in league history. Unlike the flashy stars often associated with the league, Jokic is enigmatic, humble, and quietly dominant. The book pulls back the curtain on his upbringing, providing an intimate look at his journey from a small town in Serbia to NBA superstardom.

The early chapters cover Jokic’s upbringing, highlighting his formative years in Serbia and his rise through the professional leagues there and the complicated nature of his love of the game as such a gifted youth.

The second half of the book is a thrilling recount of the Denver Nuggets’ ascent under Jokic’s leadership, culminating in their NBA championship victory. The fast-paced narrative mirrors the excitement of reliving those championship years, and I found myself unable to put the book down, enjoying each playoff series as Jokic’s constant drive to improve wills his team to a further milestone.

This biography is as unique and refreshing as Jokic himself, offering an engaging and inspiring read for basketball fans and beyond.

[Doug Stotland · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an NBA fan and Jokic groupie it was easy to enjoy 350 pages of stories about Jokic and reliving the epic Denver championship season with Murray, Coach Malone, Gordon and all of the delightful staff members I’d never heard of before.

I emerged even more of a Jokic fan than when I started. It’s easy to appreciate his freakish hoops talents from watching him play and get a hint of his quirky, warm and enthusiastic personality from the glimpses we get through the media. The stories from Sombor of young Jokic missing practice, swimming with his brothers and friends, going to watch the horses with his dad and the way it was so easy for him to like people he met as his world expended from Sombor to Denver and build a “family” was a lot of fun to read about. I left admiring him for his remarkable warmth, competitiveness and ability to stay grounded in the same things that brought him happiness before he became the MVP, NBA Champ getting paid $50+M a year international superstar “celebrity”. Lots to like and aspire to from “Why So Serious” and the author did a nice job capturing his appreciation for The Joker for all of us who don’t get to hang with him and his family in Sombor.