Nikola Jokic quit drinking Coke after downing up to a gallon per day

Like most rookies, Nikola Jokic had to revamp his diet and conditioning program when he entered the NBA last season.

Jokic was once a doughy seven-footer, but the Serbian sensation looks much sleeker of late. Sacrifices were necessary in order for Jokic to thrive. For one, he had to ditch his dependency on Coca-Cola.

As revealed to ESPN's Zach Lowe:

Lowe: Is it true you used to drink a gallon of Coca-Cola every day?

Jokic: Yeah. Maybe three liters or so. It was a lot.

How early in the morning did you take your first hit?

Never in the morning, because we had practices in the morning, and I could never drink before. But after practice, it was glass after glass. I couldn't stop.

Ever dabble now, or have you totally kicked it?

I haven't had any in the last one-and-a-half years. On my flight to come to Denver, I had my last Coke ever.

Any withdrawal headaches?

No. Nothing. It was easy. It felt really good, actually. It was good to know I didn't need it.

Having dropped his unhealthy sugary soda habit, Jokic is now making plays like this on the regular: