• Faith: Christian
• Career: Athlete
• Birthday:  February 19, 1995

Nikola Jokic is a professional basketball player. As a center for the Denver Nuggets, his teammates often credited him for driving the winning plays of the game. He looks at the big picture and where each player will be, but he also knows his team.

Jokic was born on February 19, 1995, in Sombor, Serbia, the hometown of FIBA Hall of Fame basketball player Radivoj Korać. Unsurprisingly, sports dominated his early childhood since his father was a former professional basketball player. He played basketball with his two older brothers, Strahinja and Nemanja.

Jokic's journey to the NBA began when he played for the Mega Basket team in Serbia, where he showcased his exceptional skills and basketball IQ. In Serbia, he mainly played for the junior teams, but he was already drawing attention for his points, rebounds, and assists.

Nicknamed “the Joker,” Jokic is now celebrated as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. The Denver Nuggets drafted him in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft, but he didn’t stop there. His passing ability, shooting range, court vision, and leadership set him apart. Nuggets’ Head Coach Mike Malone says of Jokic: “He’s a guy I’d pay to see, not because he’s dunking on anybody or blowing by anybody. It’s because of his skill, his flair, his joy.”

Jokic may not have appeared to be the obvious pick initially, but he’s risen through the ranks of pro basketball to prove himself and break record after record. Over the years, he’s earned multiple NBA MVP awards, seven All-Star selections, and a championship title. That championship was also the first in the Denver Nuggets’ franchise history.

Playing at the Olympics for Serbia, he was the first player to lead the tournament in points, rebounds, and assists. His efforts landed him a spot as one of the All-Star Five, along with a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Personal Life

When he first joined the Nuggets, he moved to Denver and lived in an apartment with his two older brothers and his girlfriend, Natalija Mačešič. The couple married in 2020 and now share two children: a daughter, Ognjena, and a son, Ignjat. Now, Jokic maintains a low profile off the court. He focuses on his family life, putting great value in those key relationships.

Nikola Jokic's Religious Beliefs

Nikola Jokic doesn’t say a lot about his specific religious beliefs. He was raised in an Orthodox home in Serbia, and he has confirmed that he values his faith. His beliefs keep him centered, and he uses prayer as part of his pre-game ritual to prepare himself. So, he takes a thoughtful, reflective approach to spirituality.

Jokic’s journey from a small-town boy in Serbia to an NBA superstar was not always easy, but his faith kept him grounded and focused. He now relies on his family and teammates as his support system. Though not extensively documented, his faith plays a role in his life. His belief system complements his dedication to the game and his loved ones. He continues to beat the odds.