Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic received a special request from Portland Trail Blazers’ new pick Yang Hansen.
In the Las Vegas Summer League, the Chinese Center was asked about Jokic and called the Serbs an idol. The 20-year-old kept it simple when asked when Hansen would ask Jokic and when he had the chance to interact with him in the regular season.
“Please picture and signature, please,” he said.
Jokic watched the video request on his tablet, as part of the NBA event and agreed with Hansen’s approval. He also showed exactly why he was nicknamed “”The Joker.
“He’s good, he’s good,” Jokic said. “I’m very happy [that] When he enters prime [of his career]I might leave the league. Actually, I’m not. He is very talented, yes, we can only take pictures if he wants to when he is not good to me.
“If I destroy him and score a lot, yes. If he does, then no.”
The two centers have been compared. Hansen, the 16th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has impressed people with his vision and passing ability very early on. He also showed some interesting footwork that ended in the basket in a similar way to his idol.
Only one catch…Nikola Jokić vs. @hans15yRequirements! pic.twitter.com/qp2mkoini3
– NBA (@NBA) July 23, 2025
Is Jokic already making fun of retirement?
It’s strange to see Jokic teasing him that he might quit the league within a few years, but then seems to realize what he’s saying.
Jokic, 30, is expected to sign a four-year extension worth nearly $300 million in 2026. Firmly in his game, often considered the best player in the NBA, one would imagine Jokic would have at least five years left.
There is no doubt that Jokic’s love for horses, and he sees this lifestyle as a perfect retirement transition. Although all the jokes about his passion did not question his love for basketball.
It was his legacy and personal praise, and his maintenance was too low to take care of.
Will Hansen not be at its peak until 2030? That’s a bigger question mark.
