Nikola Jokic is arguably the best player currently in the NBA, having revolutionized the center position with his unique playmaking ability and elite basketball IQ.
Drafted 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, Jokic quickly stood out as a one-of-a-kind talent, showing off elite court vision, diverse scoring and strong rebounding ability as a young player.
Within a few years of his debut, the Sombor, Serbia native was the focal point of the Nuggets' offense, operating as the team's main ball-handler in the half-court.
In 11 NBA seasons, Jokic has racked up three MVP awards, seven All-NBA selections and eight All-Star nods, while guiding Denver to an NBA championship in 2023. And at 31 years old, he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down — he's averaging 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.3 assists, while shooting 57.4 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from beyond the arc in 2025-26.
But Jokic's demeanor and body language often leave fans wondering how much he truly loves basketball, causing some to speculate over his playing future and how much longer he'll suit up for the Nuggets.
Jokic Addresses NBA Future
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Nuggets fans can rest easy.
In a recent appearance on Serbian podcast X&O's CHAT, Jokic reiterated his commitment to Colorado, claiming he wants to retire in Denver.
"I wouldn't like to imagine that," he said when asked about playing for a different team. "I really found peace here. My two kids were born here. Everyone's here. Peace, home, I found my life here. And I like life here. I don't feel the need, I don't have the urge to."
And despite his sometimes questionable attitude towards his NBA career, the 6-foot-11 big man is nowhere near being done.
"I want to play as long as I can," Jokic said. "As long as I'm creating an advantage and I can play at the highest level."
Jokic Talks About Playing in Europe
Nikola Jokic
When asked if he would ever consider returning to Europe to close out his career, The Joker was pretty clear with his answer.
"No. Nothing against EuroLeague or Europe, but I would not do it," he said.
"NBA is by far the best league in the world, with the best players," he added. "I am glad we talked about this, because when people say there is no defense in the NBA, that is nonsense. If someone watches and still says that, they do not understand basketball. Did Luka play in the EuroBasket and score 30 against everyone? Sometimes he scores even more there than in the NBA. Where are the people now saying the NBA is easier?"
Jokic spent three seasons in Serbia before making the jump to the NBA, making his debut with Mega Vizura as a 17-year-old back in 2012. He won the Adriatic League MVP award in 2014-15 in his final year in Europe.
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