CHICAGO — Marija Mahorcic wanted to make something special for Nikola Jokic’s recent 23rd birthday. So the 12-year-old spent two weeks meticulously drawing and coloring two posters – one featuring Jokic’s name and hometown of Sombor, Serbia and another that read “He is not ‘The Joker.’ He is the King of the NBA.”
“He’s just amazing at basketball,” said Mahorcic, who also keeps track of Jokic’s stats after every game. “When I see him make a shot, I just get really happy.”
When Marija and her father, Nash, arrived at the United Center, security stopped them from bringing the posters inside.