The Denver Nuggets are preparing for another title push, and their leader Nikola Jokic is already thinking several steps ahead. During Thursday’s training camp session, the team invited NBA referees to officiate an intrasquad scrimmage. While that in itself isn’t unusual, what happened afterward quickly became a talking point: Jokic lingered on the court for more than ten minutes, demonstrating moves, asking questions, and holding what looked like a mini-clinic with the officials.
Video from the session showed the three-time MVP walking referees through some of his signature post spins and pump fakes, seemingly asking how they interpret contact and positioning. Though the audio wasn’t clear, Jokic’s body language suggested he was probing for clarity on what will and won’t be called this season. For a player who has long been considered under-whistled compared to other superstars, the extra effort to build understanding with referees could be a savvy move.
Nuggets brought in NBA refs to officiate a scrimmage today and Nikola Jokic spent at least 10 minutes in conversation/demonstration with them after practice ended. pic.twitter.com/8CWlhNnIpH
— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) October 2, 2025
The Nuggets, who enter the 2025–26 season as one of the favorites to win the championship, have every reason to maximize their margins. Jokic, still only 30, remains in the heart of his prime and continues to refine not just his skill set but also his understanding of how the game is officiated. By dissecting the nuances of foul calls and positioning with referees in a practice setting, he may be laying the groundwork for a smoother whistle once the games start to count.
It’s also a glimpse into Jokic’s unique basketball mind. While many stars spend training camp focusing on conditioning or chemistry, Jokic is known for his obsessive attention to detail. Whether it’s studying angles for passes, timing screens, or now, engaging referees in dialogue, he consistently looks for ways to tilt the game in his favor without relying solely on athleticism.
