The story of Nikola Jokić’s NBA draft moment is one that could easily be mistaken for a comedy sketch. It was the year 2014, and the Denver Nuggets were on the clock with the 41st overall pick. As the anticipation built, all eyes were on the stage, waiting to see who the Nuggets would select. But little did anyone know, a Taco Bell commercial would steal the spotlight and upstage the entire draft.

For those who may not remember, the Taco Bell commercial featured a group of friends sitting in a car, discussing their love for the fast-food chain’s new breakfast menu. As they drove past the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where the draft was taking place, they noticed the commotion and decided to pull over and check it out. As they walked towards the arena, they stumbled upon the draft stage, where the Nuggets were about to make their pick. And just as the team’s name was announced, the commercial’s narrator exclaimed, “The Denver Nuggets select…Nikola Jokić!”

The crowd erupted in laughter, and even the commentators couldn’t help but chuckle at the coincidence. But for Jokić, it was a moment that would change his life forever. As he walked up to the stage to shake hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, he couldn’t help but smile at the absurdity of it all. Little did he know, this would be the start of an incredible journey that would lead him to become one of the league’s most dominant players.

At the time, Jokić was a relatively unknown prospect from Serbia. He had played professionally in Europe, but his name was not on the radar of many NBA teams. In fact, he was not even invited to the draft combine, where top prospects showcase their skills in front of scouts and executives. But the Nuggets saw something special in him and took a chance on the 6’11” center.

And boy, did it pay off. Jokić quickly proved that he was more than just a punchline in a Taco Bell commercial. In his rookie season, he averaged 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. But it was just the beginning of what would be a meteoric rise to stardom.

Over the next few years, Jokić continued to improve and establish himself as one of the league’s top big men. He became known for his unique passing ability, often making jaw-dropping assists that left fans and commentators in awe. In 2019, he was named an All-Star for the first time and led the Nuggets to the playoffs, where they made it to the Western Conference Semifinals.

But it was the 2020-2021 season that solidified Jokić’s place among the NBA’s elite. He averaged a career-high 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, earning him his first MVP award. He also became the first center to win the award since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000. And just when everyone thought he couldn’t get any better, he followed it up with another MVP season in 2021-2022, making him only the second player in NBA history to win back-to-back MVPs while playing for a team that was not a top seed in their conference.

But despite all of his success, Jokić remains humble and grounded. He is known for his goofy personality and his love for his hometown in Serbia. In a recent interview, he even admitted that he never eats at fast-food restaurants, including Taco Bell. Instead, he prefers to stick to a healthy diet to fuel his body for the grueling NBA season.

Jokić’s journey from being the punchline of a Taco Bell commercial to becoming a three-time MVP and future Hall of Famer is a testament to his hard work, determination, and talent. He has proven that anything is possible with dedication and a little bit of luck. And for the Denver Nuggets, they couldn’t be happier with their “Taco Bell pick” who has turned into a franchise cornerstone and a fan favorite.

So the next time you see a Taco Bell commercial, remember the story of Nikola Jokić and how a simple twist of fate led him to become one of the NBA’s greatest players. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll see