Nikola Jokić refuses Taco Bell for life? The Nuggets star is still haunted by his infamous NBA Draft moment

Few NBA players have a draft night story as unique—and unintentionally hilarious—as Nikola Jokić. The Denver Nuggets superstar, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of his generation, was introduced to NBA fans in a way that no one could have predicted: during a Taco Bell commercial.

The Infamous NBA Draft Moment

For most players, draft night is a defining moment—a time when their name is called, cameras pan to their emotional reactions, and they celebrate with friends and family. But for Jokić, there was no fanfare. Instead, the announcement of his selection in the 2014 NBA Draft was quietly displayed on the screen while an ad for Taco Bell’s Quesarito played. Now, years later, Jokić has admitted that he has never eaten at Taco Bell, seemingly avoiding it since that fateful night.

In 2014, Nikola Jokić was selected with the 41st overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. Unlike the top lottery picks, whose selections were broadcast with dramatic music and analysis, Jokić’s moment was an afterthought. ESPN was airing commercials at the time, and the only indication of his selection was a ticker at the bottom of the screen.

Instead of a highlight reel of Jokić’s best plays or an expert breakdown of his game, fans watching at home saw an advertisement for Taco Bell’s Quesarito, a new menu item at the time. The moment quickly became a running joke among NBA fans, and over time, it transformed into one of the most memorable and ironic draft moments in NBA history.

Years later, Jokić finally revealed that he has never eaten at Taco Bell, possibly as an unconscious boycott due to how his draft moment was overshadowed.

“I think I never ate Taco Bell just because of that,” Jokić admitted in a special feature video from the Nuggets.

From Overlooked Draft Pick to NBA Superstar

Despite the way his NBA career began, Nikola Jokić has become one of the most dominant players in the league. His journey from an unheralded second-round pick to a three-time NBA MVP and NBA champion is nothing short of remarkable.

1. Early Struggles and Development

When Jokić was drafted, he was still playing in Serbia and did not immediately join the Nuggets. Instead, he spent another year developing in the Adriatic League before making the jump to the NBA in 2015. At the time, he was not seen as a future superstar, and his unique skill set was still underappreciated.

2. Breakthrough and MVP Performances

Jokić quickly proved his doubters wrong. His elite passing, rebounding, and scoring ability set him apart from traditional centers, and he steadily improved each season. By 2019, he was named an NBA All-Star for the first time. Since then, he has become one of the most consistent and dominant players in the league.

Jokić won back-to-back NBA MVP awards in 2021 and 2022, joining an elite group of players who have achieved that feat. His ability to control the game with his vision, footwork, and basketball IQ has made him a nightmare for opposing teams.

3. Leading the Nuggets to Their First NBA Championship

In 2023, Jokić led the Denver Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of his era. He was named NBA Finals MVP, showcasing his ability to dominate on the biggest stage. His performances in the playoffs were legendary, as he dismantled some of the best teams in the league with his all-around game.

The Taco Bell Curse? Jokić’s Unintentional Boycott

While it may seem like a trivial detail, Jokić’s refusal to eat at Taco Bell has become a funny subplot in his career. The idea that one of the greatest basketball players of all time has actively avoided a fast-food chain because of how his draft moment was handled is both ironic and fitting for Jokić’s quirky personality.

1. Fans Love the Story

NBA fans have embraced the Taco Bell draft night as a legendary moment. Every time a Nuggets game is on national television, social media is flooded with jokes and memes about Jokić and Taco Bell. Some fans have even started calling it the “Taco Bell Curse,” playfully suggesting that Jokić’s rise to greatness was fueled by his determination to prove that he was more than an afterthought.

2. Will Jokić Ever Try Taco Bell?

As the story gained traction, fans have frequently asked whether Jokić will ever break his streak and finally try Taco Bell. Some have even joked that Taco Bell should offer him a lifetime supply of Quesaritos if he ever decides to give it a shot.

Jokić, however, seems content with keeping his streak alive. When asked about it, he simply smiled and said, “I don’t know, maybe one day.”

A Legacy Bigger Than a Quesarito

While the Taco Bell moment remains a fun piece of NBA lore, Jokić’s legacy is defined by his achievements on the court. His transformation from an overlooked second-round pick to one of the greatest players in NBA history is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and basketball intelligence.

1. Revolutionizing the Center Position

Jokić has redefined what it means to be a center in the modern NBA. Unlike traditional big men, who primarily focus on rebounding and defense, Jokić is the focal point of his team’s offense. His elite passing ability and court vision make him one of the best playmakers in the league, regardless of position.

2. A Champion and MVP

With multiple MVPs and an NBA championship under his belt, Jokić has solidified himself as a future Hall of Famer. He continues to dominate the league, and his unique skill set has influenced a new generation of players who aspire to play the game the way he does.

3. Staying Loyal to Denver

Unlike many superstars who seek opportunities in bigger markets, Jokić has remained loyal to the Denver Nuggets. He has repeatedly expressed his love for the team and the city, making him one of the most beloved players in franchise history.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Taco Bell Draft Pick

While Nikola Jokić’s draft night may have been overshadowed by a Taco Bell commercial, his career has been anything but an afterthought. He has risen from obscurity to become one of the most dominant players in NBA history, proving that talent and hard work matter more than where or how you are drafted.

The “Taco Bell Curse” may continue to live on in NBA fan circles, but Jokić has already won where it truly matters—on the basketball court. Whether he ever tries a Quesarito remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: his legacy is far greater than a fast-food commercial.