The Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, or “The Joker,” is a Serbian-born professional basketball player. His career did not follow the mold of a superstar.

He spent some time in Europe before entering the NBA, going in at number 41 overall in the 2014 NBA Draught.

Jokic represents the modern NBA center despite being selected in the second round and is currently considered the greatest in the league.

He has become an offensive monster thanks to his playmaking skills and versatile scoring style.

His court vision allows him to find open guys for simple baskets, even when teams double-team him. Since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000, he is the current MVP Award winner and the first center to accomplish so.

By completing this, Jokic became the lone other second-round picks to win the prize. He was also selected with the lowest overall draft choice to win MVP.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Nikola Jokić
Nickname	The Joker
Birth Date	February 19, 1995
Birth Place	Sombor, Serbia, FR Yugoslavia
Residence	Sombor, Serbia, FR Yugoslavia
Religion	Christian
Nationality	Serbian
Ethnicity	White
Education	Not Available
Zodiac Sign	Pisces
Father’s Name	Branislav Jokić
Mother’s Name	Not Available
Siblings	2 (Strahinja and Nemanja Jokic)
Age	28 years old
Height	6’11” (2.11 m)
Weight	129kg (284 lb)
Eye Color	Blue
Hair Color	Brown
Body Type	Athletic
Profession	Basketball Player
Marital Status	Married
Wife	Natalija Macesic
Children	1, Ognjena (daughter)
Beginning of Professional Career	2012–present
Teams	Denver Nuggets
Achievements	NBA Most Valuable Player (2021) 4× NBA All-Star (2019–2022) 2× All-NBA First Team (2019, 2021) All-NBA Second Team (2020)
Endorsements	Nike, Western Union
Net Worth	$30 million
NBA Draft Pick	2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41st overall
Position	Center
League	NBA
Merch	T-Shirt,  Pop
Social Media Presence	Instagram, Facebook

 

Early Life and Family 

In the Serbian town of Sombor, Jokic was born. The athlete, his two siblings, both parents, and his grandmother shared a two-bedroom apartment where they grew up.

Both a farmer and an agricultural engineer, his father was. While playing basketball with his two elder siblings, who were ten years his senior, as a young child, Jokic initially developed an interest in the sport.

The second-oldest brother, Nemanja, attended the University of Detroit Mercy, while the oldest brother, Strahinja, played basketball in Europe.

The brothers’ acquaintance is former NBA player Darko Milii. As a youngster, Jokic also took an amateur interest in horse racing and competed.

Earlier Career

Jokic developed into a formidable player while playing youth basketball in Vojvodina Srbijagas, attracting bigger teams’ attention.

Jokic signed a deal with Mega Vizura in the summer of 2012. However, he played much of his first season there in 2012–2013 with the club’s youth squad.

At age 17, he participated in five Serbian League games, averaging 10.2 minutes per game, two rebounds, and 1.8 points.

He spent more time playing for the senior team in 2013–2014. In 25 games for the Adriatic League, the player averaged 11.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.

He also made 13 Serbian League appearances, scoring 10.9 points, pulling down six rebounds, and dishing out 3.3 assists each game.

Player Profile

Nikola Jokic is a center who stands at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m) and weighs 284 pounds (129 kg). He is regarded as the most exceptional passing big man in the history of the NBA.

Jokic’s playmaking skills are a key aspect of his game. He utilizes his size and court vision to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, often employing no-look passes and unique delivery techniques. His one-handed passes, in particular, have drawn comparisons to the precision and finesse of a water polo player.

A deliberate and systematic approach characterizes Jokic’s playing style. He takes his time after receiving the ball, carefully surveying the court to identify defensive mistakes and potential openings for his team. This patient approach allows him to make calculated decisions and exploit the weaknesses of the opposing defense.

Career 

NBA Draft

After being selected by the Denver Nuggets as the 41st overall pick in the NBA draft 2014 on June 26, 2014, Nikola Jokic quickly emerged as one of the leaders within the team during the 2014-15 season following the departure of Ratko Varda.

Jokic made a significant impact in the first game of the Adriatic League, leading his team to a 103-98 victory over MZT Skopje. He contributed 27 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and achieved an impressive total index rating of 44. This outstanding performance earned him the Round 1 MVP title.

In another game against Zadar on November 3, Jokic showcased his versatile skills by scoring 17 points, securing 12 rebounds, and dishing out a season-high eight assists. He finished with a total index rating of 40, resulting in him being recognized as the Round 6 MVP.

League’s Most Valuable Player

Despite Mega Leks finishing 10th in the Adriatic League, Nikola Jokic stood out as one of the most valuable players during the 2014-15 season.

In 24 games, Jokic displayed impressive all-around skills, averaging 15.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He also led the league with an index rating of 22, showcasing his impact on the court.

Recognizing his exceptional performance, Jokic was named the regular-season MVP of the Adriatic League on March 26. Additionally, he received the distinction of being the Top Prospect for the 2014-15 season in the ABA League.

Following Mega Leks’ elimination by Partizan Belgrade in the Serbian League semifinals, Jokic decided to pursue a career in the NBA. During his time in the Serbian League, he excelled, averaging 18.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in 14 games while shooting an impressive 56.6 percent from the field.

2015-2016 Season

After being drafted in 2014, Nikola Jokic officially joined the Denver Nuggets in the summer of 2015. He signed a contract deal with the team on July 28, 2015, following an impressive showing in the summer league, where he averaged 6.2 rebounds and 8.0 points over five games.

During his rookie season, Jokic had several notable performances. In a 109-98 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on November 18, 2015, he recorded a season-high 23 points and 12 rebounds. 

On January 10, 2016, he achieved a career-high nine assists in a 95-92 victory against the Charlotte Hornets. Later, in an April 8 game against the San Antonio Spurs, Jokic set a new career-high with 15 rebounds, contributing to a 102-98 win.

Jokic’s impressive rookie campaign garnered recognition and acclaim. He finished third in the 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year voting, displaying his impact on the court. Additionally, he earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, solidifying his status as one of the league’s promising young talents at the end of the season.

Breakout Season

Nikola Jokic achieved a rare feat in NBA history by recording a triple-double of 30 or more points without missing a field goal, a feat only matched by Wilt Chamberlain, who accomplished it twice in 1966 and 1967.

Furthermore, Jokic joined Fat Lever as the only player in Denver Nuggets’ history to record a triple-double in the first two games of a season, showcasing his versatility and impact on the court.

Jokic’s outstanding performances in the season’s early stages titled him the Western Conference Player of the Week, an honor for the opening week. This recognition made him the sixth player in team history to win the award three or more times, highlighting his consistent and exceptional play.

Recognizing his contributions, Jokic was named the Serbian Player of the Year – by Basketball Federation of Serbia in 2018, acknowledging his impressive performances and impact internationally and in the NBA.

First All-Star and All-NBA Appearances

On January 31, Nikola Jokic was selected as a Western Conference reserve for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game, marking his first All-Star appearance. This made him the first Denver Nuggets player to be named an All-Star since Carmelo Anthony in 2011.

In an impressive feat, Jokic joined a select group of players in NBA history by recording a triple-double in his playoff debut during Game 1 of the Nuggets’ first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs. This accomplishment had yet to be achieved since LeBron James in 2006. Despite the Nuggets’ 101-96 loss, Jokic contributed 10 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists.

Jokic displayed exceptional performances throughout the playoffs, averaging 25.1 pts, 13.0 rebs, and 8.4 assists in 39.7 minutes per game across 14 playoff games. He showcased his versatility and efficiency with shooting percentages of 50.6 percent from the field, 39.3 % from three-point range, and 84.6 % from the free-throw line.

Following the season, Jokic’s outstanding performance earned him a spot on the All-NBA First Team, marking his first selection to an All-NBA team and solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players.

Records & Achievements

Nikola Jokic achieved a significant milestone in his career by becoming the ninth player in NBA history to record 50 career triple-doubles. Notably, he is only the second center to accomplish this feat, with Wilt Chamberlain being the only center ahead of him.

Jokic’s achievement of 50 triple-doubles also places him as the third-fastest player to reach this milestone, trailing only the legendary Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson in terms of the speed at which he accomplished it.

In recognition of his outstanding performance in March, Jokic was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for the second time in his career. This accomplishment made him the first player in Nuggets franchise history to win the award twice within the same season.

Furthermore, Jokic is uniquely distinguished in NBA history as the only player to amass 5,000 rebounds and 3,000 assists in his first 500 games. This showcases his exceptional ability to contribute as a rebounder and a playmaker early in his career.

World Cup & Summer Olympics

At the 2013 FIBA Under-19 World Championship, Serbia’s U-19 national basketball team, which Jokic played on, took home silver.

Serbia lost to the United States by a score of 96-66 in the Olympic final, earning them the silver medal.

On May 24, 2019, Jokic declared he would play for Serbia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup was expected to be won by the Serbian national team. However, Argentina overcame them in the quarterfinals. It came in fifth place with victories over the Czech Republic and the United States.

Nikola Jokic: Signature Move

Jokic is a skilled playmaker and dynamic shooter who can make mid-range and three-point shots and finish in the paint.

During his MVP season, Jokic shot.566 from the field and.388 from beyond the arc.

His hallmark moves, the “Sombor Shuffle,” was given that moniker by Nuggets play-by-play announcer Chris Marlowe in honor of Jokic’s hometown of Sombor. It entails hopping off the right foot and hitting a high-arching fade away.

While recovering from an ankle injury in 2017, Jokic devised the maneuver. Compared to Dirk Nowitzki’s one-legged fadeaway, the unorthodox move is challenging to defend.

Wife and Wedding 

Natalija Macesic is a Serbian psychologist married to NBA player Nikola Jokic. The couple has a daughter named Ognjena, born in September 2021. While Natalija keeps her personal life and relationship with Nikola private, being the wife of the league’s MVP brings attention to her, although her Instagram profile remains private.

Natalija has been significant in Jokic’s life since their high school days. They both hail from Sombor, Serbia and attended the same high school. She has been a constant support and anchor for Nikola throughout his basketball journey, and their relationship has continued to grow as he excels in the NBA.

The two couple tied the knot on October 24, 2020, in a wedding held in their hometown of Sombor, Serbia. Due to the altered NBA schedule caused by the coronavirus pandemic, their June wedding had to be postponed. The ceremony took place with tight security measures, allowing only guests to enter the church.

After the wedding, Nikola and Natalija shared their first dance as a married couple, with the center showcasing his dancing and singing skills. It was a joyous celebration of their union and marked the beginning of their married life together.

Net Worth

The Serbian international is now sweeping the league thanks to his performance. His new value has significantly impacted the business and caught the NBA’s attention. 

The value of Nikola Jokic has grown recently. One of the top big guys in the NBA, according to many.

The Denver Nuggets organization has prospered as the Serbian international makes a name for himself in the NBA.

The latest estimation of Nikola Jokic’s net worth is $30 million. His most recent contract with the Denver Nuggets also pays him $29.5 million annually.

The youngster signed a significant 5-year contract extension worth roughly $147 million in 2018.

Endorsements

Famous huge celebrity Nikola Jokic’s net worth keeps rising due to his high income.

Major brands have noticed him after a great season and endorsed him. The current value of Jokic’s endorsement income is $750,000.

The athlete is only 28 years old. Therefore, this number might increase dramatically. He has a shoe deal with Nike. Another of his endorsement agreements with Panini is with Western Union.

Social Media Presence

On many social media sites, Nikola Jokic is highly active. However, he is easier to reach on Facebook and Instagram.

He has a Facebook account that has been verified, but something has yet to be posted there since last year. On his Instagram page, Jokic mainly writes about his personal and professional life.

There are also a ton of pictures that were captured during photo shoots.

• Instagram– 51.3k followers 

• Facebook– 641k followers 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nikola Jokic’s injury?

The Nuggets center was declared questionable in the days leading up to the team’s game against the Jazz, and the couple confirmed the news an hour before tip-off. According to reports, Jokic’s injury or reason for sitting out is right-toe soreness.

Why is Jokic called Big Honey?

The nickname “Big Honey” was given to Jokic by Mike Miller during practice, and Jokic has preferred this nickname over his previous one. Will Barton also referred to him as Big Honey after a game.

Why was Jokic drafted so low?

Jokic was drafted relatively low in the NBA draft for various reasons, as Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly explained. One factor that contributed is his body type, which didn’t fit the conventional mold of a high-draft pick. The draft process is considered unpredictable, and many factors come into play.

Can Jokic dunk?

While Jokic is not known for his dunking ability, standing at 6’11” tall, he has been able to dunk in NBA games. Although he may not have exceptional leaping ability, he can still throw down dunks with an uncontested opportunity.

 

Who is Natalija Macesic

Natalija Macesic, the wife of Serbian basketball player Nikola Jokic, who plays for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA, is a Serbian-born psychologist. She and Jokic have been in a relationship since their high school days in Serbia and tied the knot on October 24, 2020.

After completing high school in Serbia, Natalija moved to the United States with her parents, where she met Nikola. She pursued her studies at the Metropolitan State University of Denver and graduated, holding a degree in Psychology in 2018.

Despite being initially from Serbia, they dated considerably before getting married in 2020. They are also proud parents to their daughter, Ognjena Jokic.

Natalija, known as “The Joker’s” wife, can be found on Instagram, where she occasionally shares posts.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Natalija Macesic
Birth Date	April 18, 1985
Birth Place	Serbia
Nick Name	Natalija
Religion	Christian
Nationality	Serbian
Horoscope	Aries
Ethnicity	White
Education	Metropolitan State University of Denver
Father’s Name	Not Known
Mother’s Name	Not Known
Age	38 Years Old
Height	5’10″/1.78 m/178 cm
Weight	57 kg/126 lbs
Shoe Size	US size 8
Hair Color	Light-Brown
Eye Color	Blue
Body Measurement	34-29-32 inch
Figure	Slim
Marital Status	Married
Husband	Nikola Jokic
Children	1 daughter (Ognjena Jokic)
Profession	Psychologist
Net Worth	$500k
Salary	$85k per annum
Currently Works As	Psychologist
Social Media	Instagram, Twitter
Hobbies	Traveling, Shopping
Favorite Place	London and Eastern Europe
Favorite Color	Red
Merch	Nikola Jokic Jersey, Nikola Jokic Rookie Card

 

Physical Appearance

Natalija Macesic, Nikola Jokic’s wife, is an attractive and lively woman with light-brown hair and blue eyes. She is slender, standing at 1.78 meters tall, and weighing approximately 126 pounds.

Natalija maintains her physique by regularly going to the gym. Her body measurements are reported to be around 34-29-32 inches.

Early Life

There is yet to be any available information about Natalija’s exact age. However, based on her appearance, she appears to be in her late twenties.

Natalija has not discussed her parents or shared any details about them in the media.

Natalija is known for her adventurous spirit and passion for exploring different parts of the world. She previously played volleyball at Seminole State College in Oklahoma.

There is limited information regarding Natalija’s recent work or profession.

Since getting married, Natalija has resided in Denver with her husband, Nikola.

Education

Nikola Jokic’s wife, Natalija Macesic, demonstrated early brilliance and dedication in her academic pursuits. Pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in the United States, she garnered recognition for her exceptional academic achievements.

In 2018, Natalija obtained a psychology degree from Metropolitan State University, showcasing her expertise in the field. Her commitment to learning and growth was evident as she expressed her intentions to pursue a Master’s certificate.

Speaking to The Gazette at the time, Natalija expressed her determination, stating, “When I complete my Master’s, I will have achieved my academic goals.”

Dating and Relationship Status

Nikola Jokic and his wife deliberately kept their romantic relationship away from the media’s attention, aiming to avoid excessive media scrutiny and unnecessary attention.

However, once news of Nikola Jokic’s relationship with Natalija became public, it quickly gained widespread attention. Media outlets were eager to create stories about their love life, and fans couldn’t help but express their admiration for the couple, who had been dating since they were 16.

Due to Nikola’s growing career in sports, the couple often has to spend time apart, but they have managed to maintain a strong relationship despite the challenges. Natalija, as a supportive partner, frequently travels to the United States and various countries worldwide to cheer for and support Jokic in his endeavors.

Wedding Celebration

Nikola Jokic and his beloved wife, Natalija Macesic, exchanged vows on October 24, 2020, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. The two opted for a destination wedding in Sombor, Nikola’s hometown in Serbia.

With tight security, the wedding was an intimate affair attended by a select group of close friends and family. Initially scheduled for June, the ceremony had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis, mainly because Jokic tested positive for the virus.

Following the nuptials, a video of the lively wedding after-party surfaced online, capturing the Serbian athlete joyfully dancing with his wife. Fans took to Twitter to show their admiration for the star player. However, it remains uncertain when Jokic will return to the United States.

Kids

The year 2021 brought immense joy and celebration to the lives of Serbian basketball star Nikola Jokic and his wife, Natalija Macesic. The couple eagerly awaited the arrival of their first child, and their excitement reached new heights as they welcomed their beautiful princess, Ognjena Jokic, into the world. This momentous day marked a new chapter in their lives and garnered warm wishes from fans and well-wishers around the globe.

The birth of their daughter brought forth a flood of emotions for Nikola and Natalija. In interviews, Nikola expressed his overwhelming happiness and deep gratitude, describing it as a life-changing experience; as news of the arrival spread, fans, friends, and fellow athletes worldwide celebrated the couple’s milestone. Heartfelt congratulations poured in, accompanied by well-wishes for the newborn and her proud parents.

With their beautiful daughter Ognjena in their arms, Nikola and Natalija now embark on an exciting journey of parenthood. While Nikola continues to make headlines on the basketball court, his focus has undoubtedly shifted to creating a loving and nurturing environment for his growing family. The couple’s unwavering love and commitment to each other will be reflected in how they raise their daughter, fostering an atmosphere of warmth and support.

Some Interesting Facts

• Natalija Macesic, a young woman residing in the United States, profoundly loves traveling and exploring new places. Despite being settled in the US, she never misses an opportunity to return to her native country, Serbia, driven by her profound affection for her homeland

• During the summer months, Natalija indulges in the delights of European destinations, captivated by their captivating sights and vibrant tourism scenes. She seizes the chance to immerse herself in these countries’ rich cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes.

• Natalija’s love for karaoke shines through as she enjoys singing her favorite tunes. She has even managed to persuade her husband, Nikola, to join her in these musical endeavors on multiple occasions. Their duets showcase a fun and playful side to their relationship, adding a touch of harmony to their shared experiences.

Salary and Net Worth 

Natalija Macesic hails from a financially affluent family and has a successful career as a psychology graduate, contributing to her substantial income.

Available internet sources show Natalija’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000.

Additionally, Natalija enjoys financial stability and security as the wife of Nikola Jokic. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Jokic has a net worth of $30 million. Nikola’s basketball career has been lucrative, with notable contracts such as the extension he signed in 2018 worth $147 million.

Furthermore, various reports indicate that Nikola has secured endorsement deals, including partnerships with big brands such as Nike and Western Union, valued at around $750,000.

Social Media Presence 

Natalija, the wife of Nikola Jokic, is not active on social media platforms. From a young age, she has been a career-oriented and humble individual who values her studies.

Natalija has maintained a low-key profile throughout her academic journey, focusing on her studies and personal growth.

Currently, Natalija can be found on Instagram, where she occasionally shares posts with her followers. Despite her limited activity, she remains engaged with her online presence.

• Instagram – 13.6 k followers 

• Twitter– 12 followers 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t Natalija use social media more?

Natalija has always been career-oriented and has stated that she prefers to keep her personal life secret.

How many siblings does the husband of Natalija have?

The two brothers who comprise Nikola’s family are Strahinja and Nemanja Jokic.

Is the Joker from the Denver Nuggets married?

In 2020, the Denver Nuggets’ Joker wedded Natalija Macesic, his high school sweetheart. In 2021, the couple welcomed a lovely daughter.