Who Is Nikola Jokić?
Nikola Jokić is a Serbian professional basketball player and the starting center for the Denver Nuggets, widely regarded as one of the best players in the NBA. Drafted 41st overall in 2014, he has developed into a multiple‑time MVP, All‑Star, and NBA champion while serving as the franchise cornerstone in Denver.
Known by the nickname "The Joker," Jokić blends size, touch, and creativity to dominate as both a scorer and playmaker. At roughly 6'11" and 284 pounds, he anchors the Nuggets in the paint while also functioning as their primary offensive initiator, a rare role for a center in league history.[2]
Current Season Performance and Role
In the 2025–26 NBA season, Jokić is delivering one of the most productive campaigns of his career, averaging about 29.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 11.0 assists per game.[1][2] Those numbers place him among the league leaders in scoring while ranking first in both rebounds and assists per game, underscoring his unique all‑around impact for a big man.[1][2]
His efficiency remains exceptional, with a field goal percentage above 60 percent despite high usage, reflecting his ability to score both inside and from mid‑range while making smart shot selections.[2] With Jokić at the center of everything they do, the Nuggets remain near the top of the Western Conference standings, and his nightly triple‑double threat continues to drive Denver’s offensive identity.[1][2]
Impact on the Nuggets and the Modern NBA
Jokić’s presence fundamentally shapes how the Denver Nuggets play, as the offense flows through his hands on nearly every possession. His passing from the post and the perimeter forces defenses into difficult choices: send extra help and risk giving up open threes and cuts, or stay home on shooters and allow him to score efficiently one‑on‑one. This dual threat makes game planning against Denver particularly challenging for opposing coaches.
League‑wide, Jokić is redefining expectations for the center position by leading the NBA in both rebounding and assists while remaining an elite scorer.[1][2] His success has increased the value placed on playmaking bigs, influencing how teams scout and develop frontcourt players. As an international superstar from Serbia, he also symbolizes the NBA’s global reach and continues to inspire young players worldwide who aspire to combine size, skill, and vision the way he does.