Nikola Jokic Shares Viral Moment With Barack Obama at NBA All-Star

The Denver Nuggets' three-time MVP had his part in a viral All-Star moment with the former president.

Feb. 16, 2026 at 5:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

During the NBA All-Star Game, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic had a viral moment with former President Barack Obama, who was sitting courtside. As Jokic and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker chased after a loose ball, it ended up in Obama's hands, leading to a humorous interaction. While Jokic had a quiet performance in the game, only playing just over 5 minutes, this moment with Obama stood out as a highlight.

Why it matters

The interaction between Jokic and Obama provided a lighthearted moment during the All-Star Game, which has faced criticism in the past for lacking intensity. Obama himself has previously called out players for not taking the game seriously enough. This year's game, however, featured a more competitive and defensive-minded effort from both teams.

The details

In the first 12-minute game between Team USA Stars and Team World, Jokic made a play on a loose ball with Booker. The ball ended up in the hands of Obama, who was sitting courtside with his wife Michelle. Booker gave Jokic a slight push in the back, preventing the Nuggets center from barreling into the crowd. Jokic finished the game with 0 points on 0-1 shooting and 2 rebounds, as he was limited in minutes due to a recent knee injury. His Nuggets teammate Jamal Murray also had a quiet night, going 0-6 from the field.

  • The NBA All-Star Game took place on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California.
  • The viral moment between Jokic and Obama occurred during the first 12-minute game between Team USA Stars and Team World.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The three-time MVP of the Denver Nuggets, who had a limited role in the All-Star Game due to a recent knee injury.

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States, who was sitting courtside at the All-Star Game with his wife Michelle.

Devin Booker

The star guard for the Phoenix Suns, who was involved in the play that led to the viral moment with Obama.

Jamal Murray

Jokic's teammate on the Denver Nuggets, who also had a quiet performance in the All-Star Game.

Scottie Barnes

The player who hit the game-winning three-pointer to give Team USA Stars the victory over Team World.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Y'all gotta have a little more pride in that All-Star Game. It's not as if you all don't play pickup during the summers. You know how to play in a way that, 'Alright, I'm not going to hurt anybody, I'm not going to take anybody out.' But that All-Star Game, it's broke, man.”

— Barack Obama, Former President of the United States

The takeaway

This year's NBA All-Star Game featured a more competitive and defensive-minded effort from both teams, in contrast to past criticism from former President Obama about the lack of intensity. The viral moment between Jokic and Obama provided a lighthearted highlight, while also showcasing the former president's continued passion for the sport and desire to see the All-Star Game played with more pride and purpose.