Nikola Jokic
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Nikola Jokic isn't rushing toward retirement
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic often has his passion for basketball questioned, largely due to his nonchalant demeanor and horse racing hobbies overseas.
Having accomplished so much before his 31st birthday, speculation about whether he may take the Barry Sanders early retirement route has grown.
During the All-Star break, the two-time MVP winner addressed his NBA future, citing that his competitive spirit fuels him.
“To be honest, I’m going to play basketball until I can’t play it at a high level,” Jokic told ESPN. “I enjoy it and love to play.”
Jokic bluntly refuted the notion that he isn’t passionate about pro basketball simply because he enjoys other endeavors.
“I care a lot… I think if you don’t care for winning, you’re not supposed to be in this sport. It’s just my personality, maybe I’m a little bit different… I love to play basketball.”
Nikola Jokic Retirement? Hold Your Horses
Nikola Jokic
GettyNikola Jokic is averaging a triple-double this season
Despite many predicting that Jokic would step away from the game soon, retirement is not imminent for the Serbian star.
Alternatively, Jokic could continue playing for several more years.
Jokic, 31, stated that he won’t walk away from the game as long as he sustains an elite level of play. So far, he has shown no signs of slowing down.
The two-time MVP winner is averaging a triple-double(!) this season, pouring in 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game.
He earned his eighth All-Star selection this season, competing for Team Stripes.
Jokic had 22 points, 17 assists and 14 rebounds on Feb. 9 to pass Oscar Robertson for No. 2 on the league’s career list with his 182nd regular-season triple-doubles.
“He’s the ultimate positionless center in the history of the game. There’s no arguing that. It’s a treat to watch. Your center gets 17 assists in a basketball game, and it just doesn’t happen unless it’s him.”
He trails only Russell Westbrook, who has 207, on the career list. Westbrook (four), Jokic (two) and Robertson (one) are the only NBA players to average triple-doubles in a season.
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Teammate Jamal Murray said he expects even more from Jokic, who turned 31 this week.
“He’s got a lot of that left,” he said. “It’s going to be a Usain Bolt record when he sets it. He’s going to have that for a long time.”
Nikola Jokic is Having (Another) Historic Season
Nikola Jokic
GettyNikola Jokic has made eight consecutive All-Star appearances
Jokic has been so consistently great that sometimes one can become desensitized to his record-breaking achievements.
His eye-popping numbers have become a nightly occurence as the Nuggets star stuffs the stat sheet with ease.
Although fans are accustomed to his greatness, the appreciation for his feats should not dwindle.
Additionally, the eight-time All-Star is in line for a few more records this season.
Jokic is on pace to become the first center in NBA history to average a triple-double in three different seasons. He would join Oscar Robertson as the only player with three such seasons.
Jokic celebrated his 31st birthday on Feb. 19 — the resumption of the NBA regular season.