East Rutherford, NJ – Reigning NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic, made a surprise appearance at the Meadowlands Racetrack Friday (Dec. 3).  In 2021, the Denver Nuggets center was voted winner of the Maurice Podolof Trophy as the league’s most valuable player and was an All-Star for his third consecutive season.

NBA MVP Nikola Jokic with COO & GM Jason Settlemoir in the Meadowlands paddock. Lisa Photo.

Jokic, a standardbred owner in his native Serbia, is friends with Tim and Ashley Tetrick.  He spent the day with the Tetrick’s at Gaitway Farm before visiting the Meadowlands at night.

“It was great to have Jokic at the track tonight,” said COO & GM Jason Settlemoir.  “It was fun seeing him interact with our drivers in the paddock.  I can see him becoming a great ambassador for our sport.”

After visiting the winner’s circle for Tetrick’s Race two win, Nikola spent the night in the paddock speaking with drivers and trainers and did a brief interview with Jessica Otten after the 10th race.

“I wanted to get to know the sport here in the U.S. so I texted Tim about two months ago,” said Jokic. “This experience has been great. Just to have so many people here know about the sport and to be around 30-40 horses is great.”