Nikola Jokic is already making noise just one game into the NBA playoffs, but it has nothing to do with his play on the court.
It has everything to do with his fashion choices ahead of Game 1 of the Nuggets vs. Lakers series.
The two-time NBA MVP showed up to the contest clad in a long, black zip-up jacket while sporting a black and gray striped scarf around his neck.
That immediately earned Jokic comparisons to the protagonist of the "Despicable Me" series, Gru.
Jokic pulled up in the Gru fit 😂 pic.twitter.com/YSylCj81a0
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) April 20, 2024
Going to play basketball or going to steal the moon? pic.twitter.com/AeGmprCMhX
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) April 20, 2024
This was no accident. Jokic's costume was part of an elaborate marketing stunt for the upcoming "Despicable Me 4," which hits theaters in July.
Here's what to know about Jokic's involvement in the now-viral marketing campaign.
MORE: Nikola Jokic leads the way among three NBA MVP finalists for 2023-24
Why did Nikola Jokic dress up as Gru?
Jokic dressed up as Gru as part of a marketing stunt for Illumination's "Despicable Me 4." The plan involved him dressing up as the beloved Steve Carell character to set up a promo for the movie, which ran during Game 1 of the Nuggets vs. Lakers series.
Jokic has been the subject of Gru comparisons before, so tapping into that joke for a 30-second ad was a stroke of brilliance on the part of Illumination.
How did they get Jokic to play along? He explained his affinity for Gru at the end of his news conference following the Nuggets' 114-103 Game 1 win.
"I love the guy," he said of Gru. "I love the cartoon. Why not just have a little bit of fun?"
MORE: Inside the Nikola Jokic 'Despicable Me 4' promo
Nikola Jokic Despicable Me 4 promo
Jokic's "Despicable Me 4" promo begins with him talking to a therapist and explaining how he felt after he first drew Gru comparisons in December 2022.
"I thought I looked really good that day," Jokic says. "I put on this beautiful suit that said, 'I mean business.' ... They say I look like Gru."
The therapist then asks why it bothered Jokic so much to draw those comparisons. He explained that they aren't bothersome, but Gru's assistants — a large group of yellow, ovular creatures known as "minions" — keep following him around thinking he is their boss.
To prove his point, he raises the blind, and the minions — piled on top of one another in the hopes of getting a glimpse of Gru — begin cheering.
"They won't leave me alone," Jokic says. "Guys, I'm not your boss!"
Jokic's comedic timing for the commercial was spot-on, and he deserves praise for putting his acting chops to the test. Perhaps he has an on-screen future when his NBA playing days are over.
Until then, Jokic will remain focused on the NBA playoffs. His Nuggets are looking to defend their NBA title in 2024 after beating the Heat in five games to clinch the 2023 NBA championship.
