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Nikola Jokić Biography

Nikola Jokić was born on February 19, 1995, in Sombor, Serbia, a small city in the Vojvodina region. He grew up playing basketball with his two older brothers and was discovered by a scout from Mega Basket while still a teenager. Selected 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets — a pick announced during a Taco Bell commercial break that has since become legendary — Jokić was considered a raw project. But he developed faster than anyone anticipated, revolutionizing the center position with an unprecedented combination of passing, shooting, and basketball IQ. He won back-to-back NBA MVP awards in 2021 and 2022, led the Nuggets to their first NBA Championship in 2023, and won a third MVP in 2024.

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Personal Life

Who are Nikola Jokić's parents?

Branislav Jokić, Natalija Jokić

Did Nikola Jokić have siblings?

Yes — Strahinja Jokić, Nemanja Jokić.

Was Nikola Jokić married?

Nikola Jokić was married once, to Natalija Mačešić (2020–None).

Did Nikola Jokić have children?

Nikola Jokić had 1 child: Ognja Jokić (born 2023).

What religion was Nikola Jokić?

Nikola Jokić was Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

What was Nikola Jokić's ethnicity?

Nikola Jokić was of Serbian heritage.

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Career Highlights

Awards

  • NBA MVP (2021, 2022, 2024)
  • NBA Champion (2023)
  • NBA Finals MVP (2023)
  • All-Star selections (multiple)

Facts About Nikola Jokić

  • He was selected 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft — widely considered the greatest draft steal in NBA history
  • He is the only center to win multiple NBA MVP awards since Shaquille O'Neal
  • He is passionate about horse racing and owns racehorses in Serbia
  • His draft announcement was shown during a pizza commercial break on ESPN
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Nikola Jokić Quotes

"I don't need to score 40 points to be happy. I just want to win."

"Basketball is a team sport. It's always about the team."

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Legacy

Nikola Jokić has fundamentally changed how the center position is understood and valued in basketball. His playmaking ability from the post — averaging near-triple-doubles annually — has no historical precedent for a player his size. Many analysts consider him the greatest passing big man in NBA history and a strong candidate for the greatest player of his era. His laid-back personality and genuine humility have made him one of the most beloved figures in the sport.

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Sources

📖 Wikipedia📖 NBA.com📖 ESPN

Last verified: 2026-05-30