June 26, 2014 was a monumental day for fans of both the NBA and Taco Bell.
Not only was Nikola Jokic — a now two-time MVP, NBA champion and NBA Finals MVP — drafted by the Denver Nuggets, but the Quesarito appeared on the menu at Taco Bells everywhere. And in one of the most magical moments in fast food/basketball history, the two icons overlapped with the league announcing Jokic’s selection during a commercial for the quesadilla-burrito hybrid and linked them forever.
On Thursday night, ESPN made a notably concerted effort to ensure every draft pick was highlighted, even if they were announced while the broadcast was at break. But there were still a number of second-rounders who saw their name called during a commercial.
Nikola Jokic was drafted during a Taco Bell commercial in 2014, so we asked the 2023 draft class what would be their draft commercial of choice #nba #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/dPH2hA9zgJ
— Mackenzie Salmon (@mackenziesalmon) June 22, 2023
Perhaps the next Jokic — or Quesarito — is among them. There’s certainly the potential for a sponsorship deal if any of these players become All-Stars. So to memorialize the biggest night of their lives, we humbly present the 2023 Nikola Jokic All-Taco Bell Team.
Congratulations to these nine players drafted while ESPN cut to commercial.
Pick No. 38: Jordan Walsh (Sacramento), espnW/Hellmann's
This had to be a little infuriating and confusing for Jordan Walsh. Right as the graphic announcing the No. 38 pick was about to show his name on the bottom ticker, it disappeared from the screen as a commercial for Hellmann’s mayonnaise came on. The last screengrab available before then was a commercial for espnW.
Further complicating matters was the fact the pick was already traded to Boston. So while it showed Sacramento making the selection, Walsh was really drafted on behalf of the Celtics.
Pick No. 40: Maxwell Lewis (Denver), PNC Bank
A solid advertisement for a player who is about to make bank by a team with good fortune when it comes to drafting during a commercial break. But the pick was also traded, so instead of heading to the Nuggets, Lewis is on his way to the Lakers.
Pick No. 45: Gregory Jackson II (Memphis), Jeep
GG Jackson waited much longer than expected to see his name on TV. At least it came during a commercial for the new Jeep Gladiator, which hopefully means he’ll be gifted one of those soon enough.
Pick No. 47: Mojave King (Los Angeles Lakers), Dr. Pepper Strawberries and Cream
Picked by the Lakers on behalf of the Pacers. King will be reminded of this moment wherever Dr. Pepper is sold.
Pick No. 53: Jaylen Clark (Minnesota), Gatorade
If you can’t hear your name called from the stage, getting drafted during a Gatorade commercial while “Like Mike” plays has to be the absolute best result possible.
Clark narrowly avoided disaster, too. Because this commercial ended two seconds after his name was shown on screen and the one that followed was much less flattering.
ok yes, this is less than ideal but it was much later pic.twitter.com/HgXqZibHf4
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) June 23, 2023
Pick No. 54: Jaylen Slawson (Sacramento), DirecTV
Jalen Slawson getting picked during a DirecTV commercial might mean he’s destined to become must-see TV. Getting drafted while Logan Roy is on screen might mean Slawson is destined to strike it very, very rich.
Pick No. 55: Isaiah Wong (Indiana), T-Mobile
Hopefully Wong never has to pay a phone bill again.
Pick No. 56: Tarik Biberovic (Memphis), State Farm
It was inevitable State Farm would air a commercial during a draft pick. Lock of the night besides Victor Wembanyama going No. 1 overall.
Pick No. 57: Trayce Jackson-Davis (Washington), Hilton
Jackson-Davis was actually picked by Washington on behalf of Golden State. Considering how expensive rent is in San Francisco, a Hilton commercial makes all the sense in the world here.
