Jokic Eyes Mexico City Game, Team USA Dominance
Nuggets center Nikola Jokic spoke to reporters on the eve of the NBA Mexico City Game 2026 about international players and Team USA.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Soccer
Nikola Jokic discussed international players and Team USA ahead of the NBA Mexico City Game, where the Denver Nuggets face the Indiana Pacers at Arena CDMX on Saturday. The 31-year-old center, a former champion and three-time Most Valuable Player, declined to include himself in a top five list of international players.
Why it matters
Jokic's comments preview the Nuggets' matchup in Mexico City while offering insight into how a veteran star views the international game. His remarks on Team USA's prospects at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics add to the ongoing conversation about the global competitive landscape in basketball.
Arena CDMX sits at a higher elevation than Denver's Mile High standard, a factor relevant to the Nuggets' road trip, and Jokic is a 31-year-old three-time MVP. Jokic said the outcome of Team USA's 2028 Olympic campaign remains to be seen.
The players
Nikola Jokic
Serbian center for the Denver Nuggets, a former champion and three-time Most Valuable Player known for his playmaking and versatility.
Denver Nuggets
NBA franchise based in Denver, Colorado, competing in the Western Conference and playing the Indiana Pacers in Mexico City.
Indiana Pacers
NBA franchise based in Indianapolis, Indiana, playing the Denver Nuggets at Arena CDMX in the Mexico City game.
The details
Jokic spoke to reporters on the eve of the NBA Mexico City Game, anticipating a warm crowd at the venue. He declined to put himself in a top five list of international players and said Team USA will still be the best at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, with the outcome to be seen.
Timeline
Saturday: Denver Nuggets face Indiana Pacers at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
2026-27 Regular Season: The Mexico City game is previewed ahead of the upcoming season.
Los Angeles 2028: Olympic Games where Team USA's dominance is discussed.
Season Trajectory
The NBA's Mexico City game extends a long practice of staging regular-season contests abroad to grow its international audience. Jokic's remarks on Team USA's Olympic prospects reflect how the league's global growth now intersects with international competition.
The Nuggets' Saturday matchup against the Pacers in Mexico City is a regular-season game that will count in the standings. Fantasy managers tracking Jokic should note the schedule shift for a road game at high altitude.
The takeaway
Elite players' views on the international game can shape how fans judge the sport's global direction. Following team schedules and venue conditions helps readers anticipate how road games abroad may play out.
What happens next
The Denver Nuggets face the Indiana Pacers at Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Saturday.
Further reading
For more on the global game, explore our Soccer coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eurohoops.
