Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic delivered a quintessentially witty response to Portland Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen’s heartfelt request for a photo and autograph.

Nikola Jokic, a two-time NBA MVP with a reputation for both competitive dominance and wry deadpan, was recently shown a clip of Hansen’s candid wish: that he might one day meet his idol, greet him, and secure a treasured photo and signature.

Hansen, selected 16th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft and quickly labeled the "Chinese Jokic" due to his playmaking and all-around skills, wore his admiration openly. The NBA, sensing the narrative magic, shared the video with Jokic—setting the stage for his delightful reply.

Jokic’s Classic Quip and Subtle Challenge

Prompted by the video, Jokic first acknowledged Hansen’s potential, stating, “He’s good. I’m happy that when he gets in his prime, I’m going to be out of the league, probably.” The comment, delivered with a smile, was both a nod to Hansen’s talent and a self-deprecating jab at Jokic’s own longevity.

However, Jokic made it clear that any meeting with his self-declared mini-me would come with a playful hitch. “We can have a picture or whatever he wants, but only if he plays bad against me,” Jokic grinned, before adding, “Let’s say that I destroy him and I score a lot of points—then yes. If he does that to me, no.”

Jokic recognized Hansen’s “talent” multiple times, then gently raised the stakes for their inevitable first matchup, suggesting that even admiration in the NBA comes with a demand for humility, performance, and fun.

Reception and the Rookie’s Growing Profile

Jokic’s response quickly went viral, drawing warmth from the league’s community and highlighting the rookie’s rapid rise. Hansen’s Summer League outings have already generated comparisons to Jokic—not just for his physical profile at seven-foot-one, but for his passing instincts, basketball acumen, and charismatic presence. The Trail Blazers, clearly invested in Hansen’s future, waived veteran DeAndre Ayton to give the rookie room to grow as a foundational piece of their rebuild.

As for Jokic, his good-natured “catch” doubled as a reminder of his standing in the game and his unfailing sense of humor—never missing an opportunity to blend confidence with self-awareness.

The moment also included a light slip about retirement, as he mused, “when [Hansen] gets in his prime, I’m going to be out of the league, probably,” igniting playful speculation about his own future, though he quickly spun the attention back to Hansen’s promise.

For NBA fans and young talents alike, the joyful exchange was further evidence that the league’s brightest stars can set the tone off the court just as they do on it. Jokic’s challenge has now set the terms: for Yang Hansen, a simple autograph means showing respect—and, perhaps, allowing his idol one night of reinvigorated dominance.