Nikola Jokic never got on stage in New York with an oversized suit to put on a Denver Nuggets cap; instead, he was fast asleep in Serbia while the TV flashed a Taco Bell commercial.
Taco Bell was advertising on ESPN for their new quesarito, which went mainstream as a meme in Jokic’s draft year of 2014. And then Jokic was drafted—mid-commercial—as told by ESPN’s ticker.
This is what was on ESPN when the #Nuggets drafted Nikola Jokic with the 41st pick pic.twitter.com/iyzvv8QnLf
— Aniello Piro (@MediaByAP) February 11, 2017
It’s one of the most infamous NBA moments, a three-time league MVP drafted during a fast-food advertisement. A testament to Jokic’s work ethic and a beacon for anyone to never count themselves out, despite what others think.
Old El Paso is making fun of the scene 11 years later, launching a commercial campaign centered around a fake legal representative wanting to get financial compensation in the form of tacos as restitution.
A basketball superstar had his draft ruined 11 years ago by a certain national taco chain and he recently said he has been boycotting said national taco chain so Old El Paso is stepping in with the tacos he deserves while aforementioned national taco chain remains on sidelines pic.twitter.com/sc7ZqYuTFd
— Alex Angert (@AlexanderAngert) June 23, 2025
The spot actually plays into what Jokic joked about three years ago after winning his second MVP.
“Hopefully, we’re gonna have some percentage from the Taco Bell,” he said.
The closest Jokic had come to pairing with the fast food giant is participating in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge. But now apparently, free tacos from Old El Paso are awaiting a call from the former Finals MVP.
Certainly, if the league and TV partner knew that Jokic would be a Hall of Famer one day, they wouldn’t have gone to break.
“I was sleeping when they drafted me,” he said three years ago. “I didn’t even think about coming from playing in Europe or going there. I think it’s a really nice journey. And hopefully, it’s not going to stop.”
It hasn’t stopped, with Jokic winning a title for the Nuggets since then and another MVP — becoming a cultural icon in Colorado.
