Nikola Jokic grows beard ahead of Olympics as fans gush over new look: "This is a bond villain"

Several international teams continue to ramp up in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Serbia star Nikola Jokic is all the more ready for it. Recognized for being one of the top two centers playing in the NBA, Jokic added something different that fans might not have expected. FIBA revealed the new look, which was sported by the Nuggets big man, featuring a fully-grown beard.

Serbia is included in the same bracket as Group C alongside countries the USA, South Sudan and Puerto Rico. Throughout the country's showcase games, the Nuggets star has looked as dominant as ever, especially in their 79-67 exhibition win against France.

Following FIBA's post on X, formerly known as "Twitter," several NBA fans shared their reactions in the comments section.

"This is a bond villain man."

X user Jesuis~Giovanni (@deaheny) highlighted the possibility of another excellent season for Nikola Jokic due to the presence of the beard.

"Facial hair Jokic. Things about to get crazy," the fan posted.

X user Fetti (@trillapain) issued a warning to the USA following the reveal of Jokic's new look.

"Bro grew the beard up America we got to lock in," the fan posted.

X user Michael Porter Jumpshot (@NuggetWatcher) pointed out the similarity in appearance between Jokic and an iconic Batman villain, Ra's Al Ghul.

"Bro looks like Ra's Al Ghul with the goatee," the fan posted.

X user Jordy P (@xcv_paul) argued that Nikola Jokic sporting a facial hear would dominate the NBA with ease.

"Bearded Jokic would destroy the NBA, nobody wants to admit that," the fan posted.

Last season, Jokic put up 26.4 points (58.3% shooting, including 35.9% from beyond the arc), 12.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game.

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Nuggets assistant coach highlighted the pressure on Nikola Jokic when it comes to playing for Serbia in the Olympics

Representing one's country in the Olympics brings forth a strong sense of pride for any professional athlete. The same can be said about the position Nikola Jokic is in with this year's 2024 Paris Olympics.

Denver Nuggets assistant Coach Ognjen Stojakovic pointed out the immense pressure placed on the shoulders of the three-time NBA MVP to play and perform well in the iconic international multi-sport event, as per The Denver Post's Bennett Durando.

"It's a big burden," Stojakovic said, "because it's kind of like, he's the best basketball player in the world. People identify themselves with athletes and sports. They all have high expectations, especially for the national team. ... There's so much pressure on Nikola Jokic to play. And not just Nikola, for every athlete to play in all those big competitions."

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic

To play against the best teams in the world in a highly-anticipated international competition presents an incredible opportunity to showcase a squad's capabilities against the elites of the sport.

For someone of Jokic's caliber, basketball fans are certainly in for a must-watch experience once the games begin.