Nikola Jokić, the global brand ambassador for 361, recently wrapped up his first-ever China trip, and it was nothing short of a slam dunk. As the NBA’s three-time MVP, NBA Champion, and Finals MVP, Jokić—affectionately known as “The Joker” or “Teacher Jokić” by Chinese fans—brought his signature charm, humility, and basketball wisdom to the courts of China. Partnering with 361, a leading online retailer of performance basketball shoes, Jokić connected with fans, showcased his signature shoe, the Joker 1, and shared insights on his career, the evolving NBA, and his love for family and horse racing. In an exclusive interview, Jokić opened up about his experience, his partnership with 361, and what makes him one of the most unique players in basketball today. Here’s the full scoop on Jokić’s China journey and why it’s a game-changer for 361 and its fans.
A Warm Welcome in China
Jokić’s China trip was a whirlwind of excitement, with fans flocking to see the Denver Nuggets star in person. When asked to describe his experience with 361, the trip itself, and his signature shoe in one word each, Jokić didn’t hesitate: “Pleasant” for his collaboration with 361, “surprising” for the China trip, and “comfortable” for the Joker 1. These words capture the essence of his journey—a seamless partnership, an overwhelming fan response, and a shoe designed for performance and style.
For Jokić, the trip was about more than just basketball. He leaned on advice from teammates Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who had previously visited China. They encouraged him to embrace everything—new cities, incredible food, and the electric energy of the fans. “They told me to try everything, feel the fans around you,” Jokić said. “I’m so thankful for their support.” The love from Chinese fans, who dubbed him “Teacher Jokić” for his basketball IQ, left a lasting impression. “I love that nickname,” he said with a grin. “It shows they see my game and respect it. I hope I can teach them something.”
The Joker 1: A Shoe with Global Impact
A highlight of the trip was the buzz around Jokić’s signature shoe, the Joker 1, which made its European debut in his home country of Serbia last year. The shoe, designed in collaboration with 361, reflects Jokić’s personality and playing style—versatile, reliable, and built for impact. “Having the Joker 1 launch in Serbia was huge,” Jokić said. “It means a lot to inspire fans there and around the world, not just in basketball but in chasing their dreams.”
The Joker 1 is more than just a sneaker; it’s a symbol of Jokić’s journey from a second-round draft pick to an NBA superstar. Fans in China got a firsthand look at the shoe’s sleek design and performance-driven features, tailored for players who value comfort and durability. For 361, the Joker 1 is a cornerstone of their mission to deliver top-tier basketball gear to athletes worldwide. Jokić’s involvement ensures the shoe meets the needs of players at every level, from weekend warriors to pros.
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The Making of a Unique Superstar
Jokić’s game is unlike any other in the NBA. His court vision, passing wizardry, and ability to dominate as a 6’11” center make him a generational talent. When asked what sets his style apart, Jokić kept it simple: “Learning, training, and watching film year after year. You need the right skills, hard work, and maybe a bit of luck and talent.” His humility shines through, even as he’s widely regarded as having historic-level passing for a big man.
Despite his laundry list of accolades—three MVPs, an NBA title, Finals MVP, seven All-NBA selections, and All-Star nods—Jokić remains grounded. “I care about awards, sure, but I can’t control them,” he said. “I focus on playing my game and helping my team win. The championship is the ultimate goal, and if awards come along the way, that’s a bonus.” This team-first mentality resonates with 361’s ethos of building products that elevate performance for the collective, not just the individual.
No “Aha” Moment, Just Steady Growth
Jokić’s rise to stardom wasn’t marked by a single defining moment. “I don’t have that ‘I made it’ feeling,” he admitted. “I was drafted in my sleep, started at the end of the bench, and just worked my way up. Every step felt natural.” This steady climb mirrors 361’s approach to building a brand—consistent, deliberate, and focused on quality. Jokić’s journey is a testament to persistence, a value that 361 champions in its products and community.
His humility extends off the court, too. In the high-stakes world of the NBA, Jokić stays true to himself. “The NBA is competitive, but it’s not everything,” he said. “What matters is who you are as a person and what’s important to you. Stay true to that.” It’s this authenticity that makes Jokić a perfect fit for 361, a brand that prioritizes real connections with its athletes and fans.
Navigating the Modern NBA
The NBA has evolved into a fast-paced, space-oriented game, with small-ball lineups and three-point shooting at the forefront. Jokić sees it as a natural progression. “Every era is different,” he said. “Small ball means everyone needs to do everything—defend, shoot, pass. Threes open up the floor, give you more space to execute, and unlock new strategies. It makes your team harder to guard and less predictable.” His own three-point shooting took a leap last season, with a career-high in makes and a 40% clip that briefly led the league. His secret? “Read the defense, shoot when open, and believe every shot’s going in. Practice helps, too.”
Jokić also shared thoughts on the NBA’s In-Season Tournament, a relatively new addition. “It’s still fresh—the new courts, the rules,” he said. “I approach every game the same, but we haven’t made the finals yet. Hopefully, we’ll get there soon.” His competitive drive aligns with 361’s commitment to pushing boundaries, whether it’s through innovative shoe designs or supporting athletes in high-stakes moments.
Heartbreak and Pride at the Olympics
One of the most poignant moments of the interview came when Jokić reflected on Serbia’s semifinal loss to Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “It was one of the biggest games of my career, even if not the biggest,” he said. “Losing hurt, but playing with my brothers for our country was unforgettable.” The experience underscored his passion for representing Serbia, a pride that carries over to his work with 361, a brand that celebrates global talent and cultural connections.
Family, Horses, and the Toughest Opponents
Family is Jokić’s anchor. “My kids, my brothers, my parents—they’re everything,” he said. “No matter what happens, they’re there for me. I wouldn’t be here without them.” This family-first mindset resonates with 361’s community-driven approach, fostering loyalty among fans and athletes alike.
When it comes to the toughest players to guard, Jokić pointed to Stephen Curry and other versatile guards. “Guys who can score from anywhere—close, midrange, three—are tough,” he said. “They’ve got so many options in pick-and-rolls, especially for a big man like me.” His ability to analyze opponents’ games reflects the same attention to detail that 361 puts into crafting performance-driven products.
Jokić’s love for horse racing also came up, offering a glimpse into his life beyond basketball. Comparing it to the NBA, he said, “They’re tough in different ways. In the NBA, you’re tested physically and mentally every game. With horses, it’s about picking the right one, training it, and managing everything. Winning a race is as hard as winning a game.” When asked what he’d do if not playing basketball, Jokić laughed, “I don’t know—ask me again later.”
A Bright Future with 361
Jokić’s China trip was a milestone for 361, showcasing their commitment to delivering top-quality basketball gear and fostering global fan connections. The Joker 1, backed by Jokić’s authenticity and performance, is a testament to the brand’s mission to empower athletes. As Jokić said, “361 listens to fans and delivers what they need.” With more signature shoes and collaborations on the horizon, 361 is poised to keep pace with Jokić’s meteoric rise.
For American fans, Jokić’s story is a reminder of what makes basketball—and 361—special: hard work, authenticity, and a passion for the game. Whether you’re hitting the court in the Joker 1 or cheering from the sidelines, 361 and Nikola Jokić are here to inspire the next generation of hoopers.
